Researchers from Moscow State University are planning a biological experiment on the asteroid Apophis. The mission aims to study how microorganisms and spores survive in space conditions, including vacuum, temperature fluctuations, and radiation.
The project involves sending a small lander or a detachable module equipped with a sealed experimental cell to the asteroid. The team intends to evaluate changes in the viability and biological characteristics of the samples during the mission.
The asteroid Apophis, which is approximately 350 meters in diameter, will pass about 32,000 kilometers from Earth on April 13, 2029. MSU specialists are currently developing the technical parameters and flight trajectory for the spacecraft.
This initiative builds on MSU's previous experience in space-based biological research, such as experiments conducted on the NIIYaF MSU-80 satellite launched in December 2025. The final configuration and timeline for the mission remain under development.
