NASA’s OSIRIS-APEX spacecraft recently captured remarkable images of Earth and the Moon during its high-speed slingshot maneuver on its way to the asteroid Apophis. On September 23, 2025, the probe flew just 2,136 miles (3,438 kilometers) above Earth, showcasing swirling clouds over the oceans and glimpses of continents. The following day, it took a dramatic shot of the Moon from approximately 370,000 miles (595,000 kilometers) away.
OSIRIS-APEX, which stands for “Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification and Security-Apophis Explorer,” is the second phase of the OSIRIS-REx mission. This mission successfully returned a sample from the near-Earth asteroid Bennu in 2023. Following that historic journey, NASA redirected OSIRIS-APEX toward Apophis, a stony, metal-rich asteroid that contrasts sharply with Bennu’s carbon-rich composition. Apophis was previously thought to pose a significant impact risk to Earth.
The stunning images mark an early success for OSIRIS-APEX, confirming that its cameras and instruments are operational after years in deep space. The spacecraft is now set on its path for an interplanetary journey. The flyby was strategically designed to utilize Earth’s gravity, boosting the spacecraft’s speed and redirecting it toward Apophis, which is expected to pass Earth on April 13, 2029. During this encounter, the asteroid will come closer than many satellites, allowing Earth’s tidal forces to potentially reshape its surface, alter its spin, or even shift its orbit.
Mapping Apophis: A Groundbreaking Mission
Once OSIRIS-APEX reaches Apophis, it will spend approximately 18 months mapping the asteroid and studying its composition while capturing high-resolution images. Mission planners also intend to hover a few meters above the asteroid’s surface and use the probe’s thrusters to stir up dust, revealing material that has remained hidden until now.
The images of Earth were taken using the spacecraft’s MapCam imager, which features red, green, and blue filters. Additionally, StowCam was employed to capture both still and video imagery, ensuring the safe storage of collected asteroid samples. As the mission progresses, OSIRIS-APEX will continue to provide trajectory updates and perform instrument checks, ultimately delivering the first up-close views of Apophis.
According to the University of Arizona’s mission overview, the close encounter with Apophis could offer valuable insights into how near-Earth asteroids evolve and respond to gravitational forces. This mission not only promises to enhance scientific understanding but also serves as a testament to NASA’s ongoing commitment to exploring our solar system and beyond.
