First CubeSat Selected for ESA's Ramses Mission to Asteroid Apophis

First CubeSat Selected for ESA's Ramses Mission to Asteroid Apophis
by Erica Marchand
Paris, France (SPX) Mar 06, 2025

ESA's inaugural planetary defence mission, Hera, which launched in October 2024, is en route to the binary asteroid system Didymos. Accompanied by two CubeSats, Milani and Juventas, the mission is set to analyze the results of humanity's first asteroid deflection attempt.

Building on this technological foundation, ESA's Ramses mission is accelerating its development by integrating components previously designed for Hera.

Hybrid CubeSat to Examine Apophis

The Ramses mission's first CubeSat will be a hybrid design, incorporating the Milani platform and dust analyzer alongside the low-frequency radar instrument from Juventas. This combination will enable an in-depth analysis of Apophis' surface and interior.

The dust analyzer will study particles that may be ejected from Apophis' surface due to natural events like landslides, while the radar instrument will probe the asteroid's internal structure. Though Apophis poses no risk to Earth, these studies will refine techniques for assessing the composition and structural integrity of potentially hazardous asteroids, aiding in future planetary defence efforts.

Tyvak International, leveraging its expertise from overseeing the development of Hera's Milani CubeSat, will lead a consortium of companies from various ESA Member States. The project has received 4.7 million euros from the funds allocated for Ramses mission preparations in July 2024.

"By leveraging existing technologies, this CubeSat will bring to the Ramses mission trusted European industrial and research partners that have already demonstrated their capability to deliver high-quality mission elements under strict timelines," said Fabio Nichele, CEO of Tyvak International.

"Our dedication to tackling advanced space mission challenges and delivering sophisticated miniaturized space systems is driving European planetary defence efforts to new heights. We are honored to earn the Agency's trust in this ambitious and historic mission."

Ramses Mission Progressing as Apophis Flyby Nears

With approximately 1500 days remaining until Apophis' close approach, Ramses mission preparations are advancing steadily. The project is demonstrating its feasibility and technological readiness ahead of a critical funding decision at ESA's Ministerial Council in November.

"The recent discovery of asteroid 2024 YR4 underscores the necessity for rapid-response asteroid reconnaissance missions in the event of a credible impact threat," noted Richard Moissl, Head of Planetary Defence at ESA.

"Ramses not only presents a rare scientific opportunity but also showcases ESA's capability to execute an asteroid mission within the constrained timeline that a real-world hazard scenario would demand."

Ramses project manager Paolo Martino emphasized the significance of Apophis' 2029 flyby: "As Apophis passes Earth in April 2029, global attention will be focused on this event. Ramses offers Europe the opportunity to take the lead, providing close-up imagery and spearheading international asteroid research and planetary defence initiatives."

"Through the dedicated efforts of our industrial and institutional collaborators across Europe and Japan, Ramses continues to meet critical milestones on its rigorous schedule. A 2028 launch is necessary to reach Apophis before its Earth flyby."

Exploring a Possible Apophis Lander

With the first Ramses CubeSat utilizing proven technology, the mission team is considering an ambitious approach for the second CubeSat-potentially transforming it into a lander. If feasible, this lander would touch down on Apophis, equipping the mission with surface instruments that could significantly expand its scientific scope.