Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) pose a potential impact hazard to our planet, and NASA, along with other space agencies, diligently monitors these celestial bodies, calculating their trajectories to provide timely warnings of possible collisions.
International defense protocols emphasize the critical need for rapid-response spacecraft reconnaissance capabilities, especially for asteroids around 50 meters in diameter. These smaller objects are often difficult to detect until they are dangerously close, making a swift response essential.
A recent study underscores the importance of a planetary defense flyby mission. Such a mission should be capable of quickly reaching a small NEO, accurately determining its impact probability, and gathering vital physical data. This capability is crucial for enhancing planetary defense readiness and ensuring the safety of our planet.