GomSpace announced its participation in the Rapid Apophis Mission for Space Safety (RAMSES), an innovative initiative led by the European Space Agency (ESA). This mission aims at studying the near-Earth asteroid 99942 Apophis during its exceptionally close approach to Earth in April 2029. The company participates in phase A/B of the RAMSES mission with a 12-month contract for a total amount of EUR 900,000 (10 MSEK).
The RAMSES mission will consist of a main spacecraft complemented by two CubeSats. This collaborative approach mirrors the ESA HERA mission and further enhances Europe's capabilities in space exploration and planetary defense. The HERA/Juventas mission was launched in October 2024, with the prime role of GomSpace for the Juventas CubeSat spacecraft. The deployment of CubeSats will maximize the scientific return of the RAMSES mission, providing detailed observations of Apophis before, during, and after its Earth flyby. These studies will significantly enhance our understanding of asteroid behaviors and contribute to our preparedness for potential planetary defense scenarios.
GomSpace, leveraging its expertise from the HERA/Juventas program, has been contracted to provide system engineering support for CubeSat 2, led by Emxys of Spain. The collaboration underscores GomSpace’s capacity to engage in and successfully realize deep-space missions. Additionally, this experience builds upon previous endeavors and showcases GomSpace’s commitment to advancing scientific exploration in the field of planetary defense.
“This historic cubesat encounter with asteroid Apophis represents a defining moment in our journey beyond Earth,” says Edgar Millic, Senior Director Strategic Business Growth and Managing Director, GomSpace Luxembourg. “By building on our proven deep space experience, we are setting the stage for future missions that will deepen our understanding of the solar system and extend humanity’s reach.”
Click here to learn more about ESA's Rapid Apophis Mission for Space Safety (RAMSES) Mission
