China turns space sentry! To carry out asteroid deflection test

China is all set to conduct an asteroid deflection test by 2025. This is being done in a bid to equip themselves against potential asteroid dangers in the future, as part of the planetary defense system. It may well be similar to NASA's DART mission.

The Chinese National Space Administration will research the means of planetary defense systems that are capable of deflecting asteroids off their course, according to a statement given by Wu Yanhua, deputy director of the China National Space Administration to China Central Television. (Pixabay)

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1/5 The Chinese National Space Administration will research the means of planetary defense systems that are capable of deflecting asteroids off their course, according to a statement given by Wu Yanhua, deputy director of the China National Space Administration to China Central Television. (Pixabay)

According to spacenews.com, this planetary defense system test will be done using a kinetic impactor to deflect asteroids. Along with planetary defense systems, China is also looking to establish an early warning system. (Pixabay)

2/5 According to spacenews.com, this planetary defense system test will be done using a kinetic impactor to deflect asteroids. Along with planetary defense systems, China is also looking to establish an early warning system. (Pixabay)

The CNSA has also planned a mission to observe any potentially harmful near-Earth objects. The mission is set to launch at the end of the 14th 5-year plan period in around 2025 or 2026, according to Wu Yanhua. (AFP)

3/5 The CNSA has also planned a mission to observe any potentially harmful near-Earth objects. The mission is set to launch at the end of the 14th 5-year plan period in around 2025 or 2026, according to Wu Yanhua. (AFP)

According to spacenews.com, China is also developing a simultaneous asteroid sample return and comet rendezvous mission which is all set to launch before 2025. (NASA)

4/5 According to spacenews.com, China is also developing a simultaneous asteroid sample return and comet rendezvous mission which is all set to launch before 2025. (NASA)

China is not the first country to work on planetary defense systems. NASA, in November 2021, had launched its Double Asteroid Redirection Test. Its mission is to collide with Dimorphos, a minor-planet moon orbiting near Earth asteroid system Didymos, in September this year. (Pixabay)

5/5 China is not the first country to work on planetary defense systems. NASA, in November 2021, had launched its Double Asteroid Redirection Test. Its mission is to collide with Dimorphos, a minor-planet moon orbiting near Earth asteroid system Didymos, in September this year. (Pixabay)