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The Citizen
07-05-2025
- Science
- The Citizen
Planetary Defense Conference to focus' on Earth's safety
'While the goal of planetary defence is to prevent asteroids from reaching our planet, this gathering goes far beyond technical assessments.' There were robust discussions and increasing attention paid to near-Earth objects (NEOs), which are becoming more closely monitored due to their potential threats. South Africa is hosting the 9th International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) Planetary Defense Conference in Stellenbosch from 5 to 9 May 2025. The week-long conference brings together scientists, engineers, policymakers and industry leaders from around the globe to discuss the protection of the planet from hazardous near-Earth objects like asteroids or comets. Near-earth objects Last month, Earth was given the all-clear from a possible impact by the asteroid 2024 YR4 in 2032. However, a second target has been looming. With recent observations, the odds of this object hitting the Moon instead have climbed to about 3.8%—the highest odds ever for a lunar impact by any natural body, according to Sky and Telescope. ALSO READ: 'A meteor or bolide likely hit the Eastern Cape' – Expert [VIDEO] Earths defence Dr Sias Mostert, director at SCS Space, acting African Regional Secretary of the IAA and co-chair of the local organising committee for the conference, said the event is 'a unique intersection of disciplines – where space meets Earth, and where science, technology, and society converge'. 'While the goal of planetary defence is to prevent asteroids from reaching our planet, this gathering goes far beyond technical assessments … The Planetary Defense Conference is more than a scientific event. It reminds us that space safety is a shared global responsibility. 'The 2025 conference stands as a symbol of our collective commitment to ensuring that space remains accessible, safe and beneficial for all humankind,' Mostert said. SA contribution Delivering the opening remarks, Humbulani Mudau, CEO of the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), an entity of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, underscored the four key pillars of planetary defence. This includes detection, coordinated international response, public awareness and preparedness, and effective mitigation strategies. Mudau recognised the roles played by the International Asteroid Warning Network and the Space Mission Planning Advisory Group. 'South Africa, and indeed the continent at large, has localised excellence in astronautics, and although we may have limited resources, we hope to contribute extensively to this global effort.' Local ecosystem Mostert praised the local ecosystem's evolution over the past 35 years and its growing footprint on global missions such as the European Space Agency's Rosetta mission and NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART). He mentioned the Gecko camera, developed in Stellenbosch, which captured the final image of the asteroid Dimorphos in 2022 before the historic DART impact. As the conference continues, the world watches with great interest as discussions unfold around planetary defence simulations, deflection technologies, policy coordination and public preparedness, highlighting the importance of cooperative action in the face of cosmic risks. ALSO READ: Anyone out there? Astronomers find signs of life on distant planet
The Hindu
25-04-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Kasturirangan mentored future Indian space leaders, recall scientists
Starting as a young research scholar at the Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad, in 1963, K. Kasturirangan's career in the Indian space sector spanned nearly four decades as he occupied the top position of Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in the 1990s. During his tenure in ISRO as the head of various centres and project director of landmark missions, Dr. Kasturirangan mentored many future space leaders who went on to occupy the top echelons of the Indian space sector. Inspiring figure 'As a young engineer in ISRO, I had the opportunity to interact and learn from him. I regularly used to seek his advice on various issues even after I assumed the role of ISRO Chairman, and he was very forthcoming and helpful in sharing his views,' former ISRO Chairman K. Sivan told The Hindu. He added that Dr. Kasturirangan's death is a loss not just for the space sector but the entire country, considering the several posts he had held. 'After retiring from ISRO, he served in various positions as the Rajya Sabha member and the Planning Commission member. He also headed several crucial committees like the ones on the Western Ghats and the National Education Policy. Hence, his passing away is a loss not just for the space fraternity but the nation as a whole.' In his post on X, another former ISRO Chairman S. Somanath said, 'He had a profound influence on all of us in ISRO. It leaves a vacuum in the community of technocrats and thinkers whose voice is heard by all.' Several missions In Dr. Kasturirangan's tenure, ISRO had a near-100% success for space by way of 29 successful missions (of satellites and launch vehicles), including four commercial/foreign satellites launched through Antrix. He also held various important roles in international bodies including vice-president (Scientific Affairs) of the International Academy of Astronautics (2003-2005), member of the International Academy of Astronautics Sub-Committee on Mars Exploration (1992-93), and chairman of COSPAR Panel on Space Research in Developing Countries (1994-2000). In total, he published 257 papers in national and international journals/symposia and edited nine books.
