Europe wants to land a tiny spacecraft on the infamous asteroid Apophis in 2029

Editor’s Note: Apophis has been a source of both scientific fascination and public anxiety since its discovery, with early fears that it might one day collide with Earth (though those worries have since been ruled out). Landing a probe on it during its 2029 flyby—when it’ll pass closer than some satellites—could give us unprecedented insights into asteroid composition and behavior. Plus, it’s a big step for planetary defense, helping us prepare for any future space rocks that might actually pose a threat. Cool science with real-world stakes!