Presentation of the Apophis Interceptor Mission during the Winter Satellite Workshop 2026 in Helsinki

The mission concept, investigated during the extension of the NEAlight porject, is nearing the completion of Phase A. It envisions the deployment of two identical 16U small satellites in highly elliptical Earth orbits to study the near-Earth asteroid (99942) Apophis during its flyby in 2029 as part of a targeted flyby. The primary goal is both to obtain scientific data to characterize the asteroid and to demonstrate essential technologies for future deep space missions using small satellites. In addition, the extraordinary trajectory is used to study the Earth's magnetic field, including the radiation belts, with several instruments.