ISRO Chairman S. Somanath has stated that India aims to play a significant role in global efforts to study and protect Earth from asteroids. While acknowledging that no single nation can independently develop a complete planetary protection system, he emphasized India’s willingness and ability to contribute to larger international missions focused on asteroid research.
During ISRO’s first workshop on planetary defense for students at its Bengaluru headquarters, Somanath highlighted the dual nature of asteroids: a potential threat to Earth, yet also valuable sources for scientific exploration. Studying these celestial bodies, he explained, could provide crucial insights into the formation of the universe and the origins of life on Earth.
Expressing India’s interest in participating in global asteroid research and defense initiatives, Somanath proposed that ISRO could contribute to upcoming international missions, such as the planned study of the asteroid Apophis in 2029. He suggested that India could provide instruments or other support to joint missions led by space agencies like NASA, ESA, and JAXA.
Somanath further underscored India’s growing capabilities in space exploration, citing recent successes like the Chandrayaan-3 mission to the Moon and the Aditya-L1 solar observatory mission. He specifically mentioned the successful placement of Aditya-L1 in its halo orbit around the Lagrange point L1, demonstrating India’s ability to execute complex space maneuvers.
These accomplishments, he emphasized, showcase India’s readiness to undertake more challenging missions, including potential asteroid exploration. Somanath expressed confidence that India’s expertise in areas like precise spacecraft navigation and capture could prove invaluable in future asteroid-related endeavors.
In conclusion, Somanath stressed the critical importance of preparing for potential asteroid threats, even if they might not materialize for centuries. He advocated for increased investment in research, technology development, and international cooperation to enhance humanity’s ability to detect and deflect dangerous asteroids.
The ISRO workshop, held in observance of International Asteroid Day on June 30th, aimed to raise awareness about the potential threats posed by asteroids and other celestial bodies to our planet. Experts from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the European Space Agency (ESA) delivered technical presentations on topics such as JAXA’s Hayabusa-2 asteroid mission, ESA’s ongoing planetary defense efforts, and the vital roles of international organizations like the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) and the Space Mission Planning Advisory Group (SMPAG) in addressing asteroid impact threats.
Speaking on the sidelines of the workshop, Somanath reiterated that ISRO is planning the first unmanned Gaganyaan mission by December 2024 and confirmed that work on Chandrayaan-4 and other proposed missions is progressing.
