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China Plans to Launch Two Spacecraft, One Observer and One Impactor, to Collide with Asteroid and Test If It’s Possible to Change Its Orbit by Centimeters
China is advancing in a bold mission to test whether a spacecraft can change the trajectory of an asteroid near Earth.
According to researchers, the idea is to launch a spacecraft to collide with a small celestial body located tens of millions of kilometers away. The impact should change its orbit by just over 2.5 centimeters.
The change may seem minimal, but the effect would be enough to prove that it is possible to redirect asteroids.
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If the plan is implemented later this year, China will become the second country to achieve this milestone, after the United States.
Impactor and Observer in Action
The project was announced by Wu Weiren, chief designer of the Chinese lunar program and a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering.
During the International Conference on Deep Space Exploration in Hefei, he detailed that the mission will use two spacecraft: one observer and one impactor.
First, the observer spacecraft will approach the target, collecting accurate physical data. Then, the impactor spacecraft will hit the asteroid at high speed.
The impact will be recorded by the observer and also by telescopes on Earth and in space, using advanced imaging systems.
Broader Defense Strategy
Wu explained that the country aims to create a comprehensive planetary defense system.
This system would include early warning, orbital response, and preparation against potential threats from space.
The main method would be kinetic impact, reinforced by other technologies to enhance effectiveness.
Additionally, he emphasized that China is open to international cooperation, including data sharing, to build a global defense framework against asteroids.
Asteroids: Resource and Threat
Asteroids are described by scientists as fossils from the early formation of the solar system. Many are rich in metals like iron, nickel, and platinum-group elements.
However, these bodies also pose a risk, as they can become existential threats to humanity.
Technological advancements have enhanced observation capabilities and increased the number of discoveries.
As of June 2021, NASA had identified over 26,000 near-Earth asteroids, of which 2,185 were classified as potentially hazardous.
Connection with Previous Efforts
The Chinese mission is supported by this growing concern. In 2022, the U.S. conducted the world’s first planetary defense test. Now, China seeks to replicate and advance along this path.
In recent years, the country has accelerated research in this field. An example is the Tianwen-2 probe, launched in May, which has two objectives: to collect samples from the asteroid 2016 HO3 and then to fly by comet 311P, located in the main belt.
Toward a New Space Milestone
The expected impact may cause only a deflection of 3 to 5 centimeters. However, the proof of concept carries strategic weight.
If the plan is successful, China will strengthen its presence in the space race and consolidate its role in planetary defense research.
The project shows that, in addition to exploration, space is also viewed as a frontier for security and survival.
