Scientists urge NASA to act on Apophis mission concept

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Scientists are urging NASA to quickly repurpose its twin Janus smallsats to study the asteroid Apophis before its close approach to Earth in April 2029. Originally built for asteroid flybys, the Janus mission was canceled and the spacecraft were placed in storage. Researchers now recommend using them for a pre‑flyby mission to Apophis, following discussions at the recent Apophis T‑4 Years Workshop, Space News has reported. They are calling on NASA to act on proposals submitted in response to a previous request for information.