NASA has outlined a worrying scenario in a hypothetical asteroid-impact exercise, finding that the world is severely unprepared to defend against an impending collision with Earth. If a 330-foot-wide asteroid were on a collision course with Earth in 2038, the planet could face devastating consequences with a 72% chance of impact.
Participants from various government agencies have concluded that there are numerous gaps in readiness and preparedness, including limited space mission capabilities and inadequate public communication systems. Kelly Fast, NASA’s acting planetary defense officer, stresses the importance of such exercises in helping authorities prepare for the possibility of a real-life asteroid strike.
