ISRO’s plans to venture into Planetary Defence System

Context: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has shown interest in exploring the asteroid Apophis during its close approach to Earth at a distance of 32,000 km in 2029.

About Apophis

• Discovery and Initial Threat: Apophis was discovered in 2004 and initially posed a 2.7% chance of colliding with Earth, the highest probability for a large asteroid in recent history.
• Size and Impact Potential: At approximately 450 metres wide, an impact by Apophis could cause significant damage, drawing comparisons to the event that caused the dinosaur extinction.
• Collision Risks Ruled Out: Subsequent observations ruled out any collision risks for the years 2029, 2036, or 2068.
• Scientific Opportunity: Despite no collision risk, the close approach of Apophis in 2029 remains a crucial opportunity for scientific study and preparation for potential future threats.

Threats Posed by Asteroids

• Constant Threat: While Apophis poses no imminent threat, Earth constantly faces potential impacts from other asteroids.
• Daily Atmospheric Entry: Thousands of asteroids enter the Earth’s atmosphere daily, most burning up due to friction.
• Significant Incidents: Occasionally, larger asteroids cause damage, such as the 2013 Chelyabinsk event in Russia, where a 20-metre-wide asteroid exploded in the atmosphere, injuring nearly 1,500 people.
• Need for Planetary Defense: This incident highlighted the need for a planetary defence program to detect and neutralise such threats before they cause harm.

Planetary Defense and Scientific Endeavours

• NASA’s 2022 Mission: NASA demonstrated the feasibility of altering an asteroid’s trajectory by crashing a spacecraft into it, with a successful test on asteroid Dimorphous.
• Potential for Defense Program: This successful test underscored the potential for a planetary defence program.
• Upcoming Missions for Apophis: With Apophis’s upcoming approach, numerous space agencies are planning missions to study the asteroid closely.
• NASA’s Preparation: NASA has redirected a spacecraft that previously studied asteroid Bennu to track Apophis, aiming to collect data and analyse its surface during its 2029 flyby.

ISRO’s Growing Capabilities and Global Contributions

• Interest in Apophis Exploration: ISRO’s intention to join the Apophis exploration effort reflects its growing confidence and capability in addressing new challenges.
• Proactive Role: Participating in such missions highlights ISRO’s proactive role in global space objectives and reaffirms its evolution into a well-rounded space agency.
• Enhancing Technical Expertise: This endeavour not only enhances ISRO’s technical expertise but also contributes to the broader scientific understanding of asteroids and planetary defence strategies.
• Alignment with International Efforts: By aligning with international efforts, ISRO can further solidify its position as a leading space agency and ensure its readiness to protect Earth from potential asteroid threats in the future.

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