Dr. S Somanath, head of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), has highlighted the serious risk of an asteroid hitting Earth, potentially leading to mass extinction. In an interview with News18, he stressed that such an event could have catastrophic consequences: "If such an event happens on Earth, we all are extinct." He referred to the Apophis asteroid, one of the most dangerous near-Earth objects, which is expected to pass close to Earth in 2029 and again in 2036.

Asteroid
Image Source:
Current Affairs - Adda247

Dr. Somanath emphasized the need for technology to predict and deflect asteroid impacts. While these catastrophic events might not happen within a typical human lifespan, they have occurred throughout the universe's history. He stated, "Our lifespan is 70-80 years and we don't see such catastrophe in our lifetime, so we take it for granted that these are not likely. These are real possibilities. We must prepare ourselves."

ISRO is actively working on planetary defense initiatives, collaborating with international organizations like the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) and the Space Mission Planning Advisory Group (SMPAG). Dr. Somanath highlighted the importance of global cooperation: "As a leading space nation, we need to take responsibility." On World Asteroid Day, ISRO hosted a workshop with experts from JAXA and ESA to discuss defense and monitoring activities.

ISRO is planning to join a planetary defense mission ahead of Apophis's close approach in 2029. The goal is to raise awareness about asteroid threats and develop innovative solutions for planetary defense. "When Apophis comes in the year 2029, we should be able to go and meet this asteroid when it is very close to Earth," Dr. Somanath said. Scientists are exploring ways to study Apophis when it is just 32,000 km from Earth.

ISRO is considering collaboration on a joint mission with JAXA, ESA, and NASA to study Apophis. Dr. Somanath emphasized the importance of participating and learning from this mission: "We must provide whatever support we can in the mission in order to participate and learn." This collaboration would enhance global efforts to understand and mitigate asteroid threats.

You might also be interested in - CBI has filed charges against five people in connection with ISRO spy case