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China Unveils Asteroid-Defense Plan With Two-Spacecraft Impact Test

Beijing framed the initiative under COPUOS with a pledge to share observations through the International Asteroid Warning Network.

Overview

  • At a deep-space conference in Hefei, Wu Weiren announced a proof‑of‑concept mission using an impactor to strike a small asteroid while a companion spacecraft observes the collision.
  • Some reports describe a planned orbital change of roughly 1.2 to 2 inches as a demonstration of kinetic deflection, though specific target and schedule details remain preliminary.
  • China said it will route observation data and research through IAWN and invited partners for joint monitoring, payload hosting, and collaborative analysis.
  • The blueprint outlines monitoring, in‑orbit handling, and coordinated response under UN mechanisms, complementing participation in IAWN and SMPAG.
  • China highlighted recent capability gains, including the May launch of Tianwen‑2 and new survey telescopes, as international officials at the meeting welcomed greater coordination.