ISRO chairman S Somanath has shown interest in examining the asteroid Apophis when it gets close to Earth later this decade. Considered one of the most hazardous asteroids to impact Earth, Apophis will be just 32,000 kilometres from our planet on April 13, 2029.
During a workshop in Bengaluru on Wednesday, Somanath expressed his willingness to work with global space agencies for an inspection of this asteroid.
"When Apophis comes in the year 2029, we should be able to go and meet this asteroid when it is very close to Earth. It is a one-time opportunity for humanity to work with an asteroid. India should be part of such efforts," Somanath said per The Indian Express. He, however, said it is unclear in what capacity ISRO could contribute.
Notably, NASA has already made plans to study the space rock using telescopes during the impending encounter.
ALSO SEE: NASA Drills Freaky Scenario Where Elusive Asteroid Heads Towards Earth
During the workshop, the ISRO chief said that India can contribute by offering an instrument to a joint mission involving all big agencies like NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
"We must provide whatever support we can in the mission in order to participate and learn. We are eager to spread our knowledge," he said.
ALSO SEE: Asteroid Apophis Can Cause Massive Tsunami If It Ever Collides With Earth!
Somanath also mentioned NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission which launched in 2021 to change the trajectory of an asteroid; and it succeeded. He further emphasised that countries should act in building planetary defense when there is no threat so we could act fast when there is one.
While Earth is safe from Apophis for at least a 100 years, the asteroid measuring 340-metres-wide could still pose a serious threat to Earth.
Apart from Apophis, Bennu is a second asteroid that astronomers fear. According to estimates, there is a 1 in 2,700 chance that it will hit Earth in 2182. Measuring roughly 500-metres wide, Bennu was a subject of interest for its rock samples which were brought to Earth in 2023.
(Image: X/NASA)
