Asteroid 2024 YR4 was discovered at the end of December by astronomers of the University of Hawaii. According to the European Space Agency (ESA), the probability of its falling on Earth is 2.2%, which made it the most dangerous object in the current list of risks. The size of the asteroid is estimated from 40 to 90 meters, and its detection activated international monitoring mechanisms.
Soon after, the Chinese state administration of science, technology and industry for national defense announced a set of specialists to work in the field of planetary protection. New employees will monitor the asteroids and the development of early warning systems.
Asteroid protection methods can be different. In 2022, NASA first successfully changed the asteroid trajectory, faced with it as part of the DART mission. China can also consider such strategies or develop new technologies to prevent a threat.
