Science and Technology Science and Technology
Wed, February 12, 2025

China Sets Up 'Planetary Defense' Unit Over 2032 Asteroid Threat


Published on 2025-02-12 10:42:28 - MSN
  Print publication without navigation

  • YR4 has a small chance of hitting Earth in 2032, and China is preparing to deter it by mirroring a U.S. space test.

China has established a new "near-Earth asteroid defense system" in response to the potential threat of asteroid 2023 DW, which has a small chance of impacting Earth in 2032. This initiative, led by the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Purple Mountain Observatory, aims to enhance planetary defense capabilities. The system will focus on monitoring, cataloging, and potentially deflecting near-Earth objects (NEOs). This move comes as part of a broader international effort to mitigate asteroid impact risks, with China joining other nations in developing technologies to detect and possibly alter the trajectory of threatening celestial bodies. The project underscores the growing recognition of the need for global cooperation in planetary defense.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/science/astronomy/china-sets-up-planetary-defense-unit-over-2032-asteroid-threat/ar-AA1ySV5J ]