New quasi-satellite discovered near Earth 2025 PN7

The astronomical community has recorded a new near-Earth object that has consistently accompanied the Earth for more than half a century. The quasi-satellite, designated 2025 PN7, was first detected on August 2, 2025, but subsequent analysis of archival images made it possible to establish its presence within the orbit from 2014 and earlier. Trajectory simulations have shown that the object has been in a stable orbit since the 1960s, remaining out of the field of view of astronomers for decades.

2025 PN7 belongs to the so-called arjuna asteroids — small bodies whose orbits are characterized by low eccentricity and minimal relative velocity relative to the Earth. The object's diameter is estimated to be between 15 and 30 meters, which is comparable to a third of the Statue of Liberty's height. It moves in a synchronous orbit with the Earth, at a distance of 4.5 to almost 60 million kilometers from the planet. Visually, the illusion of satellite motion is created, although from a physical point of view, the object continues to orbit the Sun, and not the Earth.

Unlike temporary mini-moons, which fall into the Earth's gravitational field for a short period, quasi-satellites maintain a stable trajectory near the planet for decades. For example, the mini-moon 2024 PT5 spent only 57 days in orbit, while 2025 PN7 has been following Earth for more than 60 years and is expected to remain in this position for at least the same period.

From the point of view of space logistics and engineering tasks, such objects are of particular interest. Their low relative speed makes them attractive targets for relatively inexpensive missions, both research and practice — oriented. The possibility of collecting samples, testing landing modules and even mining in the future is considered as a promising direction.

At the moment, seven quasi-satellites of the Earth are known. Among them, the most famous is the asteroid (469219) Kamoaleva, discovered in 2016. Its diameter reaches 100 meters, which makes it significantly more massive compared to 2025 PN7, but it is the newly recorded object that can be a more convenient starting point for engineering and scientific programs due to its stable and predictable orbit.