ISRO Aims to Study Asteroid Apophis Ahead of Earth’s Close Encounter in 2029 – HeadlineFly.com

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The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is gearing up to be a part of global planetary defense efforts ahead of Earth’s anticipated close encounter with the asteroid Apophis in 2029. The asteroid, set to pass just 32,000 km away from Earth, poses a potential threat that ISRO is keen on addressing.

At an international workshop in Bengaluru, ISRO chairman S Somanath emphasized the importance of studying Apophis and being prepared for any planetary defense measures that may be needed. The workshop, held to commemorate Asteroid Day 2024, aimed to raise awareness about the impact threats of asteroids and the significance of asteroid research.

ISRO’s interest in the Apophis asteroid stems from the opportunity to collaborate with other space agencies like JAXA, ESA, and NASA. The agency is considering various ways to participate in the mission, whether by providing support or contributing instruments to study the asteroid’s trajectory and potential threat to Earth.

Drawing inspiration from NASA’s successful Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission, which demonstrated the capability to alter an asteroid’s trajectory, ISRO is motivated to actively engage in planetary defense initiatives. However, funding constraints pose a challenge for ISRO, already committed to projects like human space missions.

Looking ahead, ISRO envisions India playing a significant role in planetary defense efforts, leveraging its expertise in complex space missions. The agency aims to collaborate with other nations and agencies involved in asteroid research and defense activities to collectively safeguard Earth from potential impact threats.

As Earth’s close encounter with Apophis in 2029 approaches, ISRO’s commitment to studying and understanding the asteroid underscores the agency’s proactive stance towards planetary defense and its contribution to global space initiatives.