ESA and JAXA Powered On Ramses Spacecraft
Engineers have successfully verified integrated system performance as the mission nears its 2029 asteroid rendezvous.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Space
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The European Space Agency and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency have completed the first power-on of the Ramses spacecraft core module. This research-stage milestone confirms that the onboard computer and power systems are communicating as intended ahead of the planned 2028 launch.
Why it matters
The mission aims to intercept the Apophis asteroid to provide unprecedented proximity data during its close approach to Earth. Validating these core systems now is essential to ensuring the spacecraft remains functional during its long-duration flight through deep space.
Engineers integrated the core module—a central hub including the computer, mass memory unit, and power distribution hardware—to verify internal communication links. The system must next pass a two to three week thermal vacuum test to simulate the harsh environmental conditions of space.
The players
European Space Agency
An intergovernmental organization focused on space exploration, satellite telecommunications, and earth observation science.
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
The Japanese national space agency responsible for advanced aerospace research and robotic exploration of planetary bodies.
The details
The integration process involved applying power to the core module to ensure that the on-board computer can successfully send commands to each subsystem. The remote terminal units—hardware interfaces that connect the computer to peripheral sensors and actuators—must demonstrate consistent signaling to maintain control of the craft. With the core module currently being assembled in Milan and the propulsion module in Lampoldshausen, the final architecture relies on mating these distinct units into a single functional body.
Timeline
September 2026: The Ramses spacecraft was powered on for the first time.
Spring 2027: Propulsion and core modules are scheduled to be mated at the ESTEC Test Centre.
Spring 2028: The mission is scheduled to launch on a Japanese H-3 rocket.
April 13, 2029: The spacecraft is expected to rendezvous with the Apophis asteroid.
The Tech Race
Ramses advances the global effort to characterize potentially hazardous near-Earth objects through real-time proximity observation. It follows a research trajectory established by successful asteroid return missions that seek to refine planetary defense strategies.
This development ensures the mission remains on track for its 2028 launch window and 2029 data collection phase. The primary beneficiaries are the global scientific community and planetary defense researchers who require high-resolution data on the asteroid's composition.
The takeaway
The successful power-on confirms the internal architecture is functioning as designed before hardware mating begins in 2027. Watch for the results of the upcoming thermal vacuum testing, which will indicate if the flight hardware is prepared for the extremes of the vacuum of space.
Further reading
For more updates on planetary exploration and deep-space missions, follow our coverage of Space.
Source note: This article includes information reported by European Space Agency (ESA).
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