The ApophisExL mission represents ExLabs’ first deep-space technical demonstration. The mission aims to validate and mature ExLabs spacecraft and multi-payload rideshare hosting capabilities. This mission will provide critical insights into asteroid properties, beginning with the study of the asteroid Apophis prior to its 2029 Earth encounter.
The spacecraft will carry multiple partner payloads, including multispectral and high-resolution imaging systems, target marker landers, surface and subsurface analysis, including thermal conductivity, thermal profiles, spectroscopy, magnetometry and mechanical property measurements. Beyond the existing payloads, the mission offers additional payload hosting opportunities for agencies and companies seeking access to the Apophis mission area.
The mission will provide unprecedented data on asteroid evolution, internal structure, and the impact of gravitational and thermal forces, offering valuable insights for planetary defense strategies.
Launching in April 2028 and lasting approximately three years, ApophisExL will demonstrate ExLabs’ spacecraft capabilities and lay the foundation for serial missions to advance deep space exploration and secure access to space resources.
