NASA’s OSIRIS-APEX Spacecraft Captures Stunning Earth Flyby Images

NASA’s OSIRIS-APEX spacecraft recently captured remarkable images of Earth during a high-speed slingshot maneuver. This event, which took place on September 23, 2025, propelled the probe towards the asteroid Apophis. The spacecraft flew within 2,136 miles (3,438 kilometers) of Earth, providing a stunning view of our planet’s swirling clouds and vast oceans.

The flyby not only showcased Earth’s beauty but also marked a significant milestone for the mission. As OSIRIS-APEX zoomed past, it utilized the gravitational pull of Earth to accelerate its journey. The following day, the spacecraft took a dramatic image of the moon from a distance of approximately 370,000 miles (595,000 kilometers), illustrating the vastness of space and the scale of its mission.

Mission Overview and Objectives

OSIRIS-APEX, short for “Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification and Security-Apophis Explorer,” is the second phase of the OSIRIS-REx mission. This mission previously returned a sample from the near-Earth asteroid Bennu in 2023. NASA has charted a new course for OSIRIS-APEX, directing it towards the metal-rich asteroid Apophis, which is known for its contrasting composition compared to Bennu’s carbon-rich material.

The spacecraft’s recent images confirm that its cameras and instruments are fully operational, a crucial development after years spent in deep space. The September flyby was designed to increase OSIRIS-APEX’s velocity and redirect it for a close encounter with Apophis on April 13, 2029. During this upcoming event, the asteroid will pass closer to Earth than many satellites, raising interest among scientists regarding how Earth’s gravitational forces could affect its surface and orbit.

Future Investigations and Scientific Goals

Once OSIRIS-APEX enters orbit around Apophis, it will conduct an extensive study of the asteroid over the span of approximately 18 months. The spacecraft will map the asteroid’s surface, analyze its composition, and capture high-resolution images. Mission planners also aim to hover a few meters above the surface, using its thrusters to disturb the regolith and expose previously hidden materials.

The images captured during the recent flyby were taken with the spacecraft’s MapCam imager, which features multiple filters for enhanced color representation. Additionally, the StowCam, capable of both still and video imagery, will ensure the safe storage of asteroid samples.

As the mission progresses, OSIRIS-APEX will continue to send trajectory updates and perform additional instrument checks. The insights gained from studying Apophis are expected to enhance our understanding of how near-Earth asteroids evolve and respond to gravitational influences, thereby contributing valuable knowledge to the field of planetary science.