OSIRIS-APEX Safely Navigates Close Sun Approach

The OSIRIS-APEX mission, originally OSIRIS-REx, has transitioned to a new phase involving closer approaches to the sun and a future visit to asteroid Apophis. The spacecraft successfully managed its first perihelion pass by adjusting its solar panels to protect sensitive instruments. The mission has shown promising results, including improved camera performance, but future perihelion effects remain uncertain. The mission also provides insights into asteroid Bennu, a potential Earth impactor.