Nasa steps up to defend Earth from asteroid attack

Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) like asteroids and comets have always threatened our planet.

In a key step to defend Earth from potentially devastating risks of NEOs whose orbits come within 30 million miles of Earth, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) has released a federal planning document.

The plan of action includes improving the detection of NEO and characterisation capabilities; enhancing NEO modelling prediction, and information integration.

It will also develop technologies for NEO deflection and disruption missions, increase international cooperation on NEO preparation, as well as establish NEO impact emergency procedures and action protocol