Objectives of the RAMSES Mission

High-level Mission Objectives

The European Space Agency has defined two primary high-level mission objectives for RAMSES, for which Bern's CHANCES instrument will play an integral part:

Characterize Apophis with high-resolution before (and after) the encounter

RAMSES is set to arrive at Apophis in February 2029. During its pre-encounter phase (PRE), before the asteroid passes by Earth, RAMSES will release its two CubeSat passengers and begin to characterize the asteroid using CHANCES. The instrument will observe several of Apophis' characteristics:

• Orbit
• Spin state and orientation (1%)
• Shape and surface chances (10 cm resolution)
• Interior structure
• Presence of dust <1 mm
• Cohesion
• Mass, density and porosity (1%)

The mission will continue this characterization after the close-encounter phase (CEP).

Monitor Apophis with high temporal resolution (1m) during the encounter

During the mission's close-encounter phase (CEP), RAMSES is tasked with monitoring the asteroid, essentially providing a "live feed" of Apophis as it passes by Earth.