ASTEROID APOPHIS – SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
News: Global Planetary Defence Efforts Ahead of Earth’s 2029 Close
Encounter with Asteroid Apophis
What’s in the news?
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) aims to
actively participate in a ‘Global
Planetary Defence Efforts’ ahead of Earth’s 2029 close
encounter with Asteroid Apophis, in a recent international
workshop held in Bengaluru marked Asteroid Day 2024.
Apophis Asteroid (aka 99942 Apophis)
·It is a near-Earth
asteroid with a diameter of approximately 370 metres. Its trajectory
brings it within 32,000 kilometres of Earth, and is expected to pass by
our planet in 2029.
·While this distance may seem vast in cosmic terms,
it’s remarkably close by astronomical standards.
·While the chances of a direct impact are low, the
potential consequences demand proactive measures.
·Planetary
Defence: ISRO recognizes the importance of studying Apophis
during this close encounter.
·By doing so, scientists hope to gain insights into
planetary defence strategies that could prevent future asteroid impacts on
Earth.
ISRO’s Interest
·ISRO recognizes the
significance of studying Apophis during its close approach.
The agency aims to contribute to planetary defence efforts by understanding the
asteroid’s composition, structure, and behaviour.
·Observation and
Study: ISRO intends to study Apophis when it is 32,000 kilometres
away from Earth. This observation will provide valuable data for developing
effective defence strategies.
·Collaboration: ISRO may
collaborate with other space agencies, including the Japan Aerospace
Exploration Agency (JAXA), the European Space Agency (ESA), and NASA.
·It could involve placing instruments on the joint
Apophis mission or providing support in other ways.
·Support and
Knowledge Sharing: ISRO may contribute by placing
instruments on the joint mission or providing other forms of support.
·The goal is to learn from this unique opportunity
and enhance our understanding of asteroids and planetary defence.
·By participating in the mission, India can
contribute to planetary defence research.
Learning from NASA’s DART Mission
·The ISRO referred to NASA’s
Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) Mission in 2022, which
facilitated the change of trajectory of an asteroid in deep space.
·NASA’s DART showed that a
spacecraft’s kinetic impact with its target asteroid, Dimorphos,
had successfully altered the orbit of the asteroid.
·ISRO’s interest in planetary defence underscores
the need for global collaboration in safeguarding our planet from potential
cosmic hazards. As Apophis approaches Earth, scientists and space agencies
worldwide are gearing up to study and prepare for planetary defence efforts.
·India’s participation in this endeavour reflects
its commitment to advancing space science and protecting our home planet.