Apophis T-6 Years: Knowledge Opportunities for the Science of Planetary Defense

May 10–12, 2023

Apophis T-6 Years: Knowledge Opportunities for the Science of Planetary Defense

Workshop Location and Dates

The Apophis T-6 Years: Knowledge Opportunities for the Science of Planetary Defense workshop is scheduled for May 10–12, 2023, as a virtual workshop.

Purpose and Scope

As recognized by the Planetary Decadal Survey and the November 2022 Apophis Specific Action Team Report, unique asteroid science and planetary defense knowledge opportunities are presented by the April 13, 2029, near-miss passage of the asteroid Apophis. This workshop will focus on international collaboration opportunities for both Earth-based observations and potential in situ investigations, optimally supporting the science return from the OSIRIS-APEX spacecraft making a post-Earth-encounter rendezvous with Apophis.

Conducting a workshop focused on international collaboration recognizes the June 2023 Asteroids Comets Meteors conference offering the opportunity for presentations emphasizing the latest Apophis science. Knowledge is the first line of planetary defense, and the 2029 Apophis encounter is a once-per-thousand-year opportunity for investigating an asteroid as large as 350 meters passing within 6 Earth-radii. Time is of the essence as we have less than a decade to plan Earth-based and possible in situ missions whose measurements can deliver unprecedented detailed knowledge on the physical nature of Apophis as the prototype example (poster child) of potentially hazardous asteroids.

Code of Conduct

USRA/LPI is committed to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, age, race, religion, or other protected status. We do not tolerate harassment of meeting participants in any form. USRA/LPI expects that all participants will abide by this Code of Conduct, creating an environment free from harassment, discrimination, disruption, incivility, or violence of any kind. We expect participants to exercise consideration and respect in their speech and actions and refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior. Report issues, concerns, or violations of this Code of Conduct directly to USRA/LPI management at USRA-LPI Meetings Code of Conduct. The full USRA/LPI Code of Conduct can be found here.