SPACE

NASA Warns Of Giant Asteroid Approaching Earth At A Speed Of Over 65,000 Kmph

The 2024 MT's size and speed have led to some serious concerns, however NASA has given assurance that there was no threat of its collision with Earth.

Asmita Ravi Shankar
Updated on: 6 July 2024 


The asteroid has been named as 2024 MT1. | Photo: Representational/Getty Images

A massive asteroid, comparable to the size of the Statue of Liberty, is approaching the Earth at a surprising speed of 65, 215 km/hr. The asteroid -- named 2024 MT1 -- measures around 60 feet in diameter.

According to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California's Pasadena, 2024 MT1 is likely to make the closest approach to our planet on July 8.

The US space agency's Near-Earth Object Observations Program was the first to detect asteroid 2024 MT1. This program tracks and characterises asteroids and comets that hurl towards Earth. For monitoring these objects, the program employs a network of ground telescopes and radar systems.

Given its size and speed of approach, 2024 MT has raised serious concerns, however NASA has given assurance that there was no threat of its collision with Earth.

JPL, which closely monitor's the asteroid's trajectory, also has an Asteroid Watch dashboard which gives provides real-time data on asteroid's position, speed and distance from Earth.

Notably, asteroids of the size of this 2024 MT1 are considered hazardous for the Earth due to the severe destruction that they can cause if the collide with the planet.

The major possible damage also includes tsunamis, fires, massive explosions and more. NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO) is actively engaged in working towards solutions to navigate through such threats.

Reportedly, the PDCO -- in collaboration with international space agencies and research organisations -- develops technologies to deflect asteroids and prevent any devastating impact.

One of the significant technologies that is being explored currently is the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission, which aims to test the feasibilty of deflecting an asteroid by crashing a spacecraft into it.

Though DART does not have any direct connection with 2024 MT1, it does represent a significant step towards the efforts made for planetary defense.

Meanwhile, the discovery of 2024 MT1 has sparked massive interest among space enthusiasts and astronomers. Observatories and other such institutions are gearing up to capture images and data of the asteroid as its approach nears the Earth.

Researchers are looking to understand the composition and structure of 2024 MT1, given that it could provide insights into the early solar systems and formation of planets.

EU weather satellite agency’s SpaceX launch decision needs urgent review, lead space MEP says


By Aurélie Pugnet | Euractiv
Jul 5, 2024 

For Grudler, EUMETSAT’s decision should have taken into account the Ariane6 option, even though its board meeting date had been planned long in advance before the first launch date. [EPA-EFE/Abraham Pineda-Jacome]

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The European Union’s weather satellite agency should review its decision to use US launchers over the European option Ariane-6, MEP Christophe Grudler wrote in a letter sent to the organisation’s board on Thursday (4 July), seen by Euractiv.

In a letter headlined “Request to reconsider launch decision in favour of European strategic interests”, Grudler disputes the decision of EUMETSAT, the intergovernmental European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites, to choose America rather than Europe for launching its new satellite.

He argues it goes against the principle of giving preference to Europe, something the organisation denies.

“I am writing to urgently request that you reconsider the recent decision to allocate the MTG-S1 satellite launch to a non-EU launch provider, and instead await the results of the inaugural launch of Ariane-6, which was your first choice for this satellite,” the Liberal member of Parliament wrote in a letter to the board.

The organisation, headed by 30 European states, decided last week to launch the weather forecasting and climate monitoring MTG-S1 satellite with tech tycoon Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

Originally, the launch was planned on an Ariane-6, but because of delays, SpaceX was considered as Plan B. While Ariane-6 is launched next week, the board decided, ten days ahead, to stick to plan B, rather than wait and assess the European-made company Ariane-6.

Grudler’s requests are threefold: “Cancel the last Council decision regarding a specific launcher solution, Await the inaugural launch of Ariane-6 before making any final decisions for MTG-S1; Reaffirm your dedication to European strategic autonomy by supporting European launch solutions”.

EUMETSAT’s move is a blow to the struggling European space industry and the Europeans’ efforts to secure independent access to space.

It also is, to a certain extent, to the interpretation of the “Europe first clause” in EUMETSAT’s convention, at a time where the Europeans are looking at boosting their strategic industrial autonomy.

For Grudler, EUMETSAT’s decision should have taken into account the Ariane-6 option, even though its board meeting date had been planned long before the first launch date.

“The impact of this decision extends beyond strategic concerns. It directly affects the citizens of your member states by jeopardising jobs and economic stability within the European space industry,” Grudler said in the letter.

[Edited by Alexandra Brzozowski/ Alice Taylor]