NASA has raised concern over hypothetical scenario where a potentially hazardous asteroid could strike Earth with a 72% probability on July 12, 2038.
Despite no imminent threats, the exercise conducted by NASA underscores significant gaps in global preparedness for such events.
AdvertisementIt aimed to provide valuable insights into preparedness strategies and foster collaboration across borders in mitigating potential asteroid threats.
Challenges AheadDespite technological advancements, NASA stresses the importance for refining disaster management plans and improving readiness to execute space missions swiftly.
AdvertisementAddressing these challenges remains critical to ensuring global resilience against future asteroid threats.
NASA has raised concern over hypothetical scenario where a potentially hazardous asteroid could strike Earth with a 72% probability on July 12, 2038.
Despite no imminent threats, the exercise conducted by NASA underscores significant gaps in global preparedness for such events.
Key findings from planetary defence exercise
In the recent assessment, NASA conducted the fifth biennial Planetary Defense Interagency Tabletop Exercise, held at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel Maryland, and nearly 100 representatives from various US government agencies and international partners were involved in the planetary defence.
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It aimed to provide valuable insights into preparedness strategies and foster collaboration across borders in mitigating potential asteroid threats.
Lindley Johnson, planetary defense officer emeritus at NASA Headquarters in Washington, said “the exercise’s initial conditions presented participants with challenging uncertainties.”
He emphasised that “predicting and preventing a large asteroid impact potentially represents humanity’s unique ability among natural disasters, thanks to advanced technology that allows for years of preparation.”
Technological milestones and advancements
The exercise also marked a significant milestone with the use of data from NASA’s DART (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) mission, marking a pivotal step in planetary defense.
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DART, known for its successful demonstration of redirecting an asteroid’s trajectory using kinetic impactors, highlights technological advancements in safeguarding Earth from potential impacts.
Future Preparedness with NEO Surveyor
In response to the need for early detection, NASA is progressing with NEO Surveyor, an infrared space telescope slated for launch in June 2028.
Also Read | NASA chief says US and India to expand collaboration in space; to train Indian astronaut for ISS
NEO Surveyor aims to significantly enhance Earth’s capability to detect and monitor near-Earth objects, mitigating risks posed by potential impact threats.
Challenges Ahead
Despite technological advancements, NASA stresses the importance for refining disaster management plans and improving readiness to execute space missions swiftly.
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Addressing these challenges remains critical to ensuring global resilience against future asteroid threats.
