NASA wants to test ‘planetary defense’ using passing asteroid

NASA wants to use the passing asteroid 2012 TC4 to test its “planetary defense” system, which consists of a network of observatories and scientists. The asteroid may pass Earth on October 12 at a distance of 6,800 kilometers.

According to the US Space Agency, 2012 TC4 has a diameter of 10 to 30 meters and has not been observed since its discovery on October 5, 2012. At the time, the asteroid passed Earth at a distance of about 100,000 kilometers and was discovered by the Pan-STARRS telescope in Hawaii. He hasn’t been seen since then because he’s too far away and too small to track. The calculation that it passes at a distance of 6800km from Earth is based on a measurement taken seven days after its discovery. In reality, however, the asteroid could also pass at a distance of 270,000km, according to NASA.

Additional observations are needed to make a more accurate estimate. Passing 2012 TC4 should serve to test the global asteroid detection and tracking network, explains scientist Michael Kelly. This should show to what extent the network, which consists of scientists, observatories and universities, is able to work together after the discovery of a potential threat. This cooperation consists of observing the asteroid, determining its route and international communication. 2012 TC4 is particularly suitable for testing, as it is certain that it will not hit Earth, but its precise orbit is still unclear.

“Planetary Defense” is the responsibility of NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office. In addition to tracking and classifying asteroids, the department issues warnings if there is a risk of hitting Earth. This chance exists with asteroids with a diameter of 30 to 50 meters. NASA keeps statistics on the number of near-earth asteroids that have passed through Earth, including “close approaches.” Should an asteroid actually hit the Earth, there are techniques to avert this, for example by slowing it down or by deflecting its orbit with a large object.