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Be Part of the Mission to Apophis
Be Part of the Mission to Apophis
Pictured: UMD Engineers defending the TERP RAPTOR mission architecture during a Design Review with industry leaders at The Aerospace Corporation.
Most people look at the stars and wonder "what if?" At Maryland, we ask "when?"
Apophis is a 350-meter reminder that our planet exists in a cosmic shooting gallery. Seen here in a design review with The Aerospace Corporation, TERP RAPTOR is the vanguard of a new era in planetary defense.
By supporting this mission, you aren’t just funding a satellite; you are investing in the architects of our future. Your contribution ensures that when our engineers enter the workforce, they haven't just studied the stars, they’ve already reached them.
Help us leave our mark.
Progress
Progress
Phase 1:
Phase 1:
Conceptual Design
Conceptual Design
Completed
Completed
Several rounds of design iterations and reviews with NASA Goddard, NASA Wallops, and The Aerospace Corporation.
Phase 2:
Phase 2:
Build & Integration
Build & Integration
Current
Current
This is where you come in!
Help us raise the capital to procure our parts and begin assembling our spacecraft.
Phase 3:
Phase 3:
Environmental Testing
Environmental Testing
Next
Next
Rigorous test campaign to be completed at facilities of industry partners. Extensive testing maximizes our chance of success.
Phase 4:
Phase 4:
Launch
Launch
Goal
Goal
TERP RAPTOR launch projected 2028 Q2.
Will be hosted via a commercial partner for deployment at Apophis in December 2028.
Donate Today
Donate Today
Launch UMD
Launch UMD
Launch is UMD's crowdfunding platform.
If you're looking to contribute to our crowdfunding efforts, this is the ideal way for you to send your support!
Team Fund
Team Fund
If you or your organization is interested in giving a larger donation, our UMD-hosted student team fund is right for you.
We also accept in-kind donations which can be coordinated with a member of our team at terpraptor@umd.edu.
FAQs
FAQs
Tax-Exempt Status: Gifts in support of the University of Maryland are managed by the University of Maryland College Park Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
The Sustainability Clause: Should the full funding goal for the Apophis mission not be met, 100% of your gift will be redirected toward the UMD Satellite Development Endowment. This ensures your money is never "lost," but instead builds the laboratory infrastructure and specialized tooling required for the next UMD-led deep-space mission.
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