Ramses (ESA / JAXA)

ESA and JAXA's Ramses must launch by spring 2028 to meet Apophis before its 2029 Earth pass. Its €81.2 million build contract was signed in February 2026.

Image: ESA.

Ramses: Mission Status

In development. ESA: launch on an H3 rocket by spring 2028 (no exact date published). Dates per ESA; missions shift.

The Five W's of Ramses

Who

ESA and JAXA, with OHB Italia as prime contractor.

Source: ESA, Ramses contracts

What

A spacecraft with two CubeSats that will study Apophis before, during and after its Earth pass.

Source: ESA, Ramses contracts

When

Contract signed February 10, 2026; first switch-on September 2026; launch by spring 2028.

Source: ESA, Ramses contracts

Source: ESA, First switch-on for Ramses

Where

Asteroid Apophis, which passes Earth on Friday, April 13, 2029.

Source: ESA, First switch-on for Ramses

Why

To understand asteroids' physical properties and behaviour and strengthen planetary defense.

Source: ESA, Ramses contracts

Impact Statement

Agency solution · active (in development, contracted)

ESA's Rapid Apophis Mission for Space Safety, Ramses, will rendezvous with Apophis before its rare close encounter with Earth. ESA signed the €81.2 million build contract with OHB Italia on February 10, 2026, and the spacecraft was switched on for the first time in September 2026. It must reach space by spring 2028 on a Japanese H3 rocket. JAXA contributes the solar arrays and a thermal infrared imager.

Source: ESA, Ramses contracts

Source: ESA, First switch-on for Ramses

Building on Hera, Ramses strengthens international cooperation and Europe's planetary defense capabilities.

For Further Information: ESA, Ramses contracts

Next: Explore Another Solution