An artist’s impression of an asteroid approaching Earth. Though the concept of a massive asteroid hurtling towards Earth might seem like the plot of countless Hollywood movies, it’s a real concern for space agencies like NASA and its Planetary Defense Coordination Office. This department is responsible for orchestrating NASA’s response to a potentially devastating threat from the skies. Earlier this year, NASA conducted a dramatic role-playing exercise, simulating the response to a dangerous asteroid on a collision course with our planet.
The exercise, which involved FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and the Department of State Office of Space Affairs, envisioned an asteroid with a 72% chance of hitting Earth within 14 years. With this extended lead time, space agencies could potentially take action to deflect the asteroid. A prime example is the DART test, where a spacecraft was deliberately crashed into an asteroid in 2022, successfully altering its course. One of the challenges of this exercise was the uncertainty surrounding the asteroid’s size and composition, making it difficult to predict the effectiveness of any intervention. This mirrored the complexities of real-world asteroid detection, where information about trajectory, shape, mass, and composition isn’t always readily available. Additionally, observing asteroids that pass behind the sun presents a challenge, as they can be hidden from view for months at a time.
Another crucial aspect of the exercise involved coordinating responses from different agencies, such as FEMA, which would play a vital role in managing ground-based responses. “Our mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters,” stated Leviticus “L.A.” Lewis, FEMA detailee to NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office. “We work across the country every day before disasters happen to help people and communities understand and prepare for possible risks. In the event of a potential asteroid impact, FEMA would be a leading player in interagency coordination.”
NASA emphasizes that no known asteroids currently pose a threat to Earth, but it’s imperative to be prepared for such a scenario. The more time we have to respond to an asteroid threat, the better equipped we will be to mitigate the risks. “A large asteroid impact is potentially the only natural disaster humanity has the technology to predict years in advance and take action to prevent,” said Lindley Johnson, NASA planetary defense officer emeritus.
While NASA has released a brief summary of the findings from the exercise, a more comprehensive report is expected soon. Early detection is crucial, as it allows for the development and implementation of effective mitigation strategies. The simulated scenario serves as a valuable reminder of the importance of preparedness and continuous research in the realm of planetary defense.
