Lok Sabha Question No. 329 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-24
Subject: Initiative to Study the  Asteroids
Ministry: SPACE
Asked by: Shri T R Baalu

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF SPACE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 329

## TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2024 INITIATIVE TO STUDY THE ASTEROIDS

329. SHRI T R BAALU: Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:
2. (a) whether  ISRO  has  launched  a  new  initiative  to  study  the asteroids in space and if so, the details thereof;
3. (b) the extent to which the studies would help India and the world to avert the asteroids that are threatening to hit Earth in the near future; and
4. (c)
5. the details of progress made so far in this regard?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND IN THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH):

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- a) ISRO, as part of IS4OM (ISRO System for Safe and Sustainable Space Operations Management) activities, has initiated efforts for  capacity  building  in  the  area  of  asteroid  observation  and planetary defence, the latter aims to protect the planet Earth against  any  catastrophic  asteroid  impact  threat.  Preliminary

observational campaigns have been conducted to observe the asteroids  using  the  existing  astronomical  telescopes  within India. Ultimately, dedicated telescopes for asteroid observations, subsequent analysis to determine the asteroid's path  and  characterisation  of  the  asteroid's  composition,  size shape etc. for impact risk analysis and advance warning are envisaged as part of this efforts. ISRO also looks forwards to join IAWN (International Asteroid Warning Network) and SMPAG  (Space  Mission  Planning  Advisory  Group),  these  two entities  function  under  the  auspices  of  the  United  Nation  for engaging in scientific research related to the impact potential of asteroid and to coordinate a global level effort for mitigating any  impact  hazard,  respectively.  Through  the  memberships, ISRO will benefit from the interactions with professionals and have access to the latest technological developments related to asteroid study and impact risk mitigation.

As part of awareness raising and engage academic community,  the  international  asteroid  day  was  celebrated  at ISRO  headquarters  where  100  students  participated  in  the interactive  sessions  and  several  eminent  experts  from  JAXA and ESA delivered technical talks.

- b) India's  geographic location offers a unique vantage point for asteroid  observation  which  can  help  bridge  existing  gap  in asteroid  observation.  There  is  a  host  of  Indian  astronomical observatories  which  has  the  capability  to  detect  asteroid, though dedicated facilities are desirable. ISRO can significantly contribute by detecting new asteroids as well as

by providing follow-up observations that are crucial to refine the knowledge of asteroids' paths. With its matured technical prowess, ISRO can significantly contribute to global planetary defence  efforts  by  providing  scientific  payloads,  tracking support,  analysis  support,  etc.  In  future,  ISRO  has  plans  to collaborate  with  other  space  agencies  like  NASA,  ESA  and JAXA on planetary defence related activities.

- c) ISRO  participated  as  observers  in  IAWN  and  SMPAG  annual meetings and showcased its potential capabilities which were well received.

Discussion for collaboration with ESA (European Space Agency) for RAMSES (Rapid Apophis Mission for Security and Safety) for Apophis  flyby  monitoring  is  also  in  progress. Subsequent meetings involving the respective teams of scientists are expected to firm up the specific areas where the organisations can complement each other's strengths.

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