China launches planetary defence mission to counter approaching asteroid
China announced a planetary defence mission to study an asteroid that will pass near Earth. The project will test collision-based technology to alter its trajectory and inform future safeguards.
BEIJING: China has announced plans to launch a planetary defence mission aimed at studying and potentially deflecting an asteroid expected to pass close to Earth in the coming years.
The mission will test technologies designed to alter an asteroid's trajectory by deliberately colliding a spacecraft with it, helping scientists assess future strategies for protecting the planet from potential impact threats.
Chinese officials said the project forms part of the country's expanding space programme and broader efforts to strengthen its planetary defence capabilities through international scientific research.
The target asteroid is not considered a threat to Earth, but researchers believe the mission will provide valuable data on how to respond if a hazardous object is detected in the future.
The initiative follows similar planetary defence efforts by other space agencies and is expected to contribute to global research on safeguarding Earth from asteroid risks.
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