Konstantin Sukharnikov Scientific instrumentation

A hobby. An independent overview compiled from public sources by a science and space enthusiast. I am not involved in these missions or facilities; my own work is detector electronics at European XFEL. My projects →

Mission · Asteroids & comets

OSIRIS-APEX

Orbiter (formerly OSIRIS-REx)

Status
Status unclear
Launched
8 Sep 2016
Target
Asteroid (99942) Apophis
Agencies
NASA, University of Arizona
Next
13 Apr 2029 Apophis passes close to Earth; the spacecraft arrives afterwards

Summary

OSIRIS-REx, which delivered samples of Bennu in 2023, has been redirected to Apophis. On 13 April 2029 this 340-metre asteroid will pass about 32,000 km from Earth, and the spacecraft will study how tidal forces have shaken it up.

Now as of 3 Nov 2026

Cruising. The last Earth gravity assist was on 23 September 2025, at 3,438 km (NASA SVS). Funding is at risk: the President's budget request for fiscal year 2026 proposed ending the mission, and I have not found Congress's final decision for it in the available sources.

Key dates

  1. 8 Sep 2016Launch (as OSIRIS-REx)done
  2. 24 Sep 2023Capsule with Bennu samples lands on Earthdone
  3. 23 Sep 2025Earth gravity assist (3,438 km)done
  4. 13 Apr 2029Apophis passes Earth (~32,000 km)event
  5. 2029Rendezvous with Apophis, 18-month programmeplanned

Timeline

  1. Jul 2025FY2026 budget request proposes ending the mission — Talking Space