India’s space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), under the leadership of Chairman S. Somanath, is actively pursuing participation in global asteroid research and defense initiatives. Recognizing the threats and opportunities posed by asteroids, ISRO aims to contribute significantly to planetary defense efforts to protect Earth from potential asteroid impacts.

Chairman Somanath emphasized the critical need for international collaboration in developing a robust planetary protection system. He highlighted that no country possesses the resources or technology to safeguard Earth from asteroid threats independently. By working together, spacefaring nations can pool their expertise and capabilities to devise effective defense strategies.

While asteroids pose risks, they also offer invaluable opportunities for scientific discovery. Studying these celestial bodies can unlock secrets about the formation of the universe and the origins of life on Earth. ISRO’s involvement in global asteroid research missions aims at planetary defense and advancing scientific knowledge.

ISRO has proposed contributing instruments or support to joint missions led by prominent space agencies like NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). One notable mission of interest is the study of the asteroid Apophis, scheduled for 2029. ISRO aims to play a significant role in this mission, further solidifying its position as a key player in global space research.

ISRO’s commitment to planetary defense was reaffirmed during an international workshop held in Bengaluru to mark Asteroid Day 2024. The workshop, which brought together experts from around the world, emphasized the need for global cooperation in asteroid research and defense. It also highlighted India’s readiness to engage in more ambitious missions, reinforcing its role in the global space community.