Private and public missions to study asteroid Apophis during 2029 Earth flyby reveal planetary defense priorities
Original framing: “Private company to land on asteroid Apophis as it flies close to Earth” — New Scientist
The study of near-Earth objects dates back to the early 20th century, with significant advancements in the 1990s following the Shoemaker-Levy 9 impact on Jupiter. The current missions to Apophis are part of a continuum of planetary defense efforts, including the DART mission, which tested asteroid deflection in 2022.
The missions to asteroid Apophis represent a critical juncture in planetary defense, where private and public actors converge to address a shared cosmic threat.
However, this convergence risks reinforcing existing power imbalances and excluding marginalized voices. By integrating Indigenous knowledge, promoting global equity, and fostering public engagement, these missions can evolve into a more inclusive and holistic approach to space stewardship. Historical precedents, such as the DART mission, demonstrate the feasibility of asteroid deflection, while cross-cultural perspectives offer deeper meaning and context. The future of planetary defense must be shaped not only by science and technology but also by ethics, equity, and a recognition of humanity's interconnectedness with the cosmos.