Posted 7 января 2010,, 10:06

Published 7 января 2010,, 10:06

Modified 17 сентября 2022,, 13:28

Updated 17 сентября 2022,, 13:28

Giant Asteroid May Threaten Earth

7 января 2010, 10:06
Roscosmos is working on a project to prevent possible collision of the Apophis asteroid with the Earth.

VLADIVOSTOK. January 7. VOSTOK-MEDIA – Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) is working on a project to prevent possible collision of a giant asteroid with the Earth, a spokesperson for Roscosmos said.


The deflection mission would be aimed at an asteroid named Apophis, Anatoly Perminov, the head of the Russian space agency stated.


“I heard from a scientist the other day that the Apophis is getting closer and closer to the Earth and that it is three times as large as the Tunguska meteorite,” Anatoly Perminov told the Russian radio station Golos Rossii. “I don’t remember exactly, but I guess it could hit the Earth by 2023.”


The designing of a system to avert the asteroid will be discussed at a private session of the science-technical council at the Russian Federal Space Agency.


“Once a decision on the issue is made, we will publish it,” he said. “The threat of collision can be averted. Calculations show it’s possible to create a special-purpose spacecraft within the time we have.”


Anatoly Perminov believes that it is possible to prevent the asteroid hitting the Earth without resorting to nuclear weapons. Due to the expensiveness of the project the Russian space agency will invite NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA) as well as space agencies of other countries to participate in the project.


Anatoly Perminov shared his views on future space projects.


Flights to the Moon are yet another project slated for 2032. “I’m sure that one day people will fly to Mars, but I think that at first we should continue exploration of the Moon,” said the scientist.


“The European Space Agency, NASA and Roscosmos pursue different aims in their joint space projects. I know that ESA considers a flight to Mars more desirable option, while the USA and Russia are busy with the exploration of the Moon.” The head of Roscosmos said.


Interfax new agency reports that manned flights to the Moon and Mars are provided for in the documents the Russian Government passed in 2007-2008. “This is a frame of reference for implementing independent space projects within the territory of Russia which covers the entire spectrum of current tasks until 2040. In addition these documents establish basic goals for Russian space policy for the period until 2020 and beyond.”


To carry out a space programme Russia will create a new spacecraft. Name the Spaceship junior contest has been already announced by Roscosmos. Mr. Perminov recalled that the launch vehicle for carrying up-to-date spacecrafts into outer space from Vostochny launch pad, which is currently under construction, has been given the name Rus-M.


The head of Russian space agency also believes that in 2010 Russia will succeed in the development of space technologies.

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