Lawmakers Alarmed by Lack of Global Protocols

In a shocking revelation, UK lawmakers have discovered there's no international framework in place to tackle a potentially catastrophic asteroid strike on Earth.

Academics Reveal Stark Reality of Planetary Defense

Members of the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee were briefed on a tabletop exercise conducted by UK academics in collaboration with NASA and FEMA. The study uncovered that global agencies and governments are significantly unprepared to swiftly mobilize necessary space missions, even with a generous 14 years' notice. Disturbingly, the UK government was absent from these crucial discussions.

MPs Demand Accountability and Protocols

Labour MP Jon Pearce raised a critical concern: "Given how crucial it is to respond correctly... why is there no legal framework or agreement outlining our decision-making process?" His call for action underscores the urgency of establishing clear protocols.

SMPAG: A Step in the Right Direction?

According to Edward Baker, the planetary defense lead at the UK Space Agency's National Space Operations Centre, there are currently no definitive protocols. However, the European Space Agency's Space Mission Planning and Advisory Group (SMPAG) is making strides with a legal working group aimed at addressing these policy gaps.

Readiness is a Concern as Threats Loom

Despite these efforts, those looking for swift action when an asteroid hurtles towards Earth might be disappointed. The SMPAG primarily consists of government space agencies, but Baker cautioned that these members are not always the ultimate decision-makers.

Who's Leading Planetary Defense?

Dr. Cyrielle Opitom from the University of Edinburgh emphasized that organizations like NASA and the European Space Agency, along with emerging players like China, are stepping up in planetary defense efforts. These entities are expected to play a pivotal role alongside the United Nations in responding to such threats.

Successful Missions Show Potential for Change

The urgency of planetary defense was highlighted by NASA's successful DART mission in 2022, where a spacecraft collided with the asteroid Dimorphos, successfully altering its orbit. This groundbreaking achievement shortened the asteroid's orbit by an impressive 33 minutes.

A Grim Assessment of Our Preparedness

Yet, NASA's simulations of potential asteroid strike scenarios revealed a troubling lack of readiness among space agencies. Even a decade to prepare appears insufficient for implementing necessary operations to assess and counter threats.

The Call for Action