China's Tsinghua University will lead the START mission to observe asteroid 99942 Apophis during its record-breaking close approach to Earth in 2029. The spacecraft will launch before the encounter and position itself to study the 370-meter-wide asteroid as it passes within 31,000 kilometers of our planet, closer than some geostationary satellites.
The START mission represents a collaborative effort combining Chinese and international expertise to capitalize on a rare scientific opportunity. Apophis will experience its closest approach on April 13, 2029, providing unprecedented access for direct observation and measurement. This proximity allows researchers to gather data impossible to collect from ground-based telescopes.
The mission will investigate Apophis's physical properties, including its composition, surface structure, and internal composition. Scientists expect the asteroid's trajectory through Earth's gravitational field to reveal details about its mass distribution and structural integrity. Understanding these characteristics helps refine models for near-Earth object behavior and inform future planetary defense strategies.
The 2029 encounter also offers a natural laboratory for studying tidal forces on asteroids. Apophis's passage through Earth's gravity well will measurably alter the asteroid's rotation and shape, creating observable changes that researchers can document in real time. Such data directly advances knowledge of asteroid dynamics and the long-term evolution of near-Earth objects.
START's participation reflects China's expanding role in asteroid science and international space research. The mission demonstrates how specialized institutions can lead major space endeavors beyond traditional government space agencies. It also underscores growing international competition in asteroid exploration, with multiple nations and agencies planning observations or missions for the 2029 encounter.
This collaborative approach to studying Apophis strengthens the global scientific response to near-Earth asteroids. Data from START complements observations from other institutions and missions, creating a comprehensive picture of the asteroid's properties. Such multi-perspective investigation enhances our understanding