SEOUL, Sept. 6 (AJP) -China announced on Thursday its conceptual plan for its first near-Earth asteroid defense mission, emphasizing the need for comprehensive international cooperation in asteroid defense. This initiative demonstrates China's commitment as a responsible space power in addressing potential threats to human safety posed by near-Earth asteroids.
The mission, scheduled for around 2030, aims to closely observe an asteroid before altering its orbit through impact, according to a report by the Xinhua News Agency.
Tang Yuhua, deputy chief designer of the Chang'e-7 Mission, explained that the plan involves two spacecraft - an impactor and an observer - launched simultaneously on a single rocket. The observer will first circle the target asteroid for detection purposes, then guide the impactor remotely to strike it. Post-impact, the observer will continue to accompany the asteroid on its altered trajectory.
China's Deep Space Exploration Lab unveiled this plan at the 2nd International Deep Space Exploration Conference (Tiandu Forum) in Huangshan, Anhui Province. CCTV reports that over 35,000 near-Earth asteroids exist in our solar system. While highly destructive collisions are extremely rare, their potential consequences could be significant.
The impact severity correlates directly with asteroid size. A soccer field-sized asteroid could cause catastrophic regional damage, while a town-sized asteroid might trigger a global disaster leading to mass species extinction.
Recognizing the significant threat posed by near-Earth asteroids to Earth and humanity's safety, China is planning this inaugural defense mission. By doing so, China aims to contribute its expertise and solutions to the global effort in asteroid defense.
Tang expressed a strong desire for multi-faceted international collaboration, including joint research and development, observation, and data sharing. This cooperative approach aims to safeguard our shared future through concerted efforts in asteroid defense.
