Subcommittee evaluates NASA's strategies for planetary defense against near Earth objects

The U.S. House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology convened on May 16, 2025, to evaluate NASA's planetary defense strategy, focusing on the detection and deflection of near-Earth objects (NEOs). The hearing highlighted the importance of NASA's role in safeguarding Earth from potential asteroid impacts, a concern that resonates deeply with the public.

Chairing the session, members discussed the critical need for effective detection systems, especially following recent discoveries of NEOs. Notably, a near-Earth asteroid designated 2024 YR was initially estimated to have a 3% chance of striking Earth, a figure that was later revised to less than 0.01%. This incident underscores the ongoing risks posed by asteroids and the necessity for vigilant monitoring.

The committee reviewed NASA's progress toward its goal of identifying 90% of NEOs larger than 140 meters by 2020, as mandated by the 2005 NASA Authorization Act. As of September 2024, NASA reported identifying only 44% of these objects, indicating significant work remains. However, the upcoming NEOS Survey mission, set to launch by 2028, aims to enhance detection capabilities using infrared technology to locate objects obscured by sunlight.

In addition to detection, the hearing also covered NASA's deflection efforts, particularly the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission launched in 2021. DART successfully impacted a smaller asteroid, demonstrating the feasibility of altering an asteroid's trajectory and providing valuable data for future planetary defense initiatives.

The discussions emphasized the importance of continued investment in planetary defense technologies and the need for collaboration among various stakeholders to ensure the safety of Earth from potential asteroid threats. The committee's focus on these issues reflects a growing recognition of the risks posed by NEOs and the critical role of NASA in addressing them.