China is set to begin testing its asteroid deflection technology as early as 2025, marking a critical step in developing a planetary defense system. Wu Weiren, chief designer of China's Lunar Exploration Program, revealed the plans during an interview with CGTN, emphasizing the mission's goal to alter an asteroid's orbit through kinetic impact.
Aligning With Global Space Safety Efforts
The project mirrors NASA's 2022 DART mission, targeting a small asteroid tens of millions of kilometers away. Wu stated the test aims to achieve an orbital deflection of 3-5 centimeters—a precision-driven effort to validate China's capabilities in detecting and responding to near-Earth threats.
Building a Comprehensive Defense Framework
China first outlined its asteroid defense strategy at the 2024 Tiandu Forum, focusing on detection, early warning, and emergency response systems. This year's forum has drawn global experts to discuss asteroid monitoring and resource utilization, underscoring the need for international collaboration in space safety.
Wu highlighted that while China prioritizes domestic technological development, partnerships with international organizations remain crucial for advancing planetary protection strategies.
