NASA scientists have revealed that this exercise is being conducted to prepare for countering asteroids in the future. NASA organized a program on June 20 at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Maryland, where they disclosed this information. With 14 years remaining, they emphasized the need to try to divert it. Is the Earth under threat from a wandering asteroid in space? Scientists say yes. NASA scientists have discovered that an asteroid is heading towards Earth, with a potential impact on July 12, 2038. They noted that while the size of the asteroid is yet to be determined, there is a 72% chance of it hitting Earth. Currently, NASA does not have a solution to prevent this threat. To assess and avert potential threats from asteroids, scientists have launched the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission. Through this mission, NASA scientists have announced the early detection of the impending threat to Earth.
14 years to Divert the Asteroid
In April of last year (2023), NASA scientists conducted the Biennial Planetary Defense Interagency Tabletop Exercise. They clarified that while there is no immediate threat to Earth from these asteroids, this exercise is being undertaken to prepare for future threats. On June 20, NASA conducted a program at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Maryland, where this was revealed. With 14 years remaining, they stressed the necessity of attempting to divert the asteroid. To study asteroids approaching Earth, NASA, along with the U.S. government, has reached a consensus on readying a spacecraft suitable for immediate launch. Scientists have determined that this spacecraft should be capable of approaching the asteroid and, if necessary, landing on it.