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Why is China targeting asteroids?

Published

11 months ago

October 1, 2025

By Wu Weiren
The solar system is home not only to the eight major planets but also to an immense number of
smaller celestial bodies – asteroids and comets – varying in size, shape, and orbital characteristics.
Among them, asteroids are defined as solar-orbiting objects smaller than planets and dwarf
planets, typically inactive in releasing gas or dust. These bodies, numbering in the billions, are
often referred to as “living fossils” of the solar system’s formation and evolution. Asteroids with a
perihelion distance of less than 1.3 astronomical units (AU) are categorized as near-Earth asteroids
(NEAs).
NEAs represent one of the most significant potential threats to Earth. The United Nations has
ranked asteroid impacts among the top 20 existential threats to humanity. The prevailing scientific
consensus holds that an asteroid approximately 10 kilometers in diameter was responsible for the
mass extinction event 66 million years ago, which eradicated roughly 75 percent of Earth’s
species, including the dinosaurs. More recent examples include the 1908 Tunguska event, which
flattened over 2,000 square kilometers of Siberian forest, and the 2013 Chelyabinsk incident, in
which a meteor explosion injured approximately 1,500 people and damaged some 3,000 buildings.
While the likelihood of such catastrophic events remains low, their potential consequences are
profound. As of March 2025, 38,171 near-Earth objects had been identified, comprising 38,048
near-Earth asteroids and 123 near-Earth comets. However, due to the technical challenges of
detection, only about 1 percent of near-Earth asteroids are currently catalogued. Early in 2025,
asteroid 2024 YR4 briefly showed a 3.1 percent probability of Earth impact, triggering global
concern.
How should we respond to these “uninvited guests”?
At the third International Deep Space Exploration Conference, held recently in Hefei of Anhui
province, Chinese scientists presented their vision for asteroid exploration, planetary defense, and
resource utilization, while extending an open invitation for international cooperation.
The China National Space Administration has in recent years launched a series of feasibility
studies and preliminary programs focused on NEA detection and defense, including a formal
proposal to build a national a near-Earth object defense system. Chinese scientists have outlined a
comprehensive two-pronged strategy: first, the development of an integrated early warning system
that leverages both ground-based and space-based monitoring assets; and second, the
establishment of mitigation capabilities centered on kinetic impactors, supplemented by additional
technologies and supported by a mission response library to ensure that each credible threat can be
addressed with a pre-planned, executable solution.
China aims to conduct its first asteroid deflection demonstration mission around 2027. This kinetic
impact test has three primary objectives: to alter the trajectory of the target asteroid; to observe the
impact in detail, including velocity and energy transfer; and to monitor post-impact changes to
assess the operation’s success.
The mission involves targeting a small asteroid approximately 10 million kilometers from Earth,
aiming to change its velocity by 3 to 5 centimeters per second, sufficient to alter its trajectory. The
selected target poses no risk of Earth impact for at least the next century.
From the standpoint of planetary defense and the long-term survival of humanity, developing
asteroid mitigation capabilities is a global imperative. As a responsible major player in space,
China is committed to contributing its expertise and resources to the establishment of an
international asteroid detection and defense system.

Beyond defense, asteroid exploration and resource utilization also hold immense promise.
Asteroids contain significant reserves of iron, nickel, platinum-group metals, and water ice. They
are broadly classified into metallic, carbonaceous, and silicate types. The exploitation of asteroid
resources – long pursued by leading spacefaring nations – holds transformative economic potential.
According to authoritative estimates, over 700 of the roughly 1,000 asteroids studied in detail are
each valued at more than $100 trillion. Over the next 30 years, the projected economic value of
main-belt asteroid resources may exceed $700 quintillion.
This field is not only a strategic pillar of deep-space exploration but also a foundational
component of the emerging extraterrestrial resource economy. With ongoing advances in nuclear
space propulsion, quantum technologies, and embodied intelligence, the development of asteroid
resource is expected to become increasingly intelligent, cost-effective, and commercially viable.
In the future, a large-scale industrial chain centered on asteroid exploitation is likely to emerge,
becoming an integral part of the deep-space economy.
(Wu Weiren is the chief designer of China’s lunar exploration program, and the director and chief
scientist of the Deep Space Exploration Laboratory.)

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Kwara: Ifelodun Travellers Transport System Revived

Published

7 hours ago

August 19, 2026

Our Reporter

As Council Signs MoU With P&A Contract Ltd

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Ifelodun local Government, under the leadership of Hadji Abdulrasheed Femi Yusuf, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with P & A Contract Limited for the construction of a modern motor park in Amoyo, as the Council moves to revive the Ifelodun Travellers transport system and improve transportation within the Local Government.

Speaking during the MoU signing ceremony at the Council s Contact Office in Amoyo, the Chairman explained that the decision to construct the motor park was driven by the need for Ifelodun Local Government to establish its own transport identity, intended to ease people’s transportation problem.

He recalled that residents travelling to and from Ifelodun had, over the years, relied on transport facilities at Offa Garage and Maraba in Ilorin, stressing the need to create a dedicated transport hub that would serve the people of the Local Government.

“At some point in the history of Ifelodun Local Government, we had Ifelodun Travellers, which does not exist anymore. I don’t think there is anything wrong with bringing that identity back to the limelight. Now, we want to add value to that identity,” the Chairman said.

He added that the Council was also working with relevant stakeholders to bring in 10 units of Korope buses, which would commence operations as soon as possible.

“We are working with the NURTW, Kwara State Chapter, for guidance and to ensure that the operation runs smoothly,” he added.

The Supervisory Councillor for Works and Infrastructure Development, Mrs. Kolo Rebecca, explained that the proposed park would feature several amenities, including a garage, warehouse, 100-unit shopping complex, parking spaces and general toilets.

She said the facilities were designed to boost economic activities, improve the image of the Local Government and provide a more convenient transportation system for residents.

According to her, the initiative is also in line with the efforts of the Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to take governance and development directly to the grassroots.

The contractor, Mallam Jimoh Toheeb Abolore, assured the Local Government of the prompt execution of the project, promising that the construction would meet the required standards and contribute positively to the image and development of Ifelodun Local Government.

Those in attendance included the Vice Chairman, Hon. Nike Ajibola; Secretary to the Local Government, Dr. Kamil Akorede; DPM, Mallam Ayinde Salman; LGT, Mallam Usman Waheed; Chief of Staff to the Chairman, Chief Ademola Zubair; Head of Works, Engr. Awodi Muhammad; Land officer, Tola Kadir and other Special Assistants.

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Lawyer Demands Release of Detained Kano Blogger, Maryam Shehu

Published

1 day ago

August 18, 2026

Our Reporter

By Hassan Agboola

A lawyer and human rights activist, Hamza Nuhu Dantani, has called for the immediate release of Kano-based blogger, Maryam Shehu, who he said has been in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for almost 30 days.

Dantani, in a statement on Monday, said the prolonged detention of Shehu was becoming difficult to reconcile with the rule of law and provisions of the 1999 Constitution, particularly her fundamental right to personal liberty.
He questioned why Shehu should remain in detention for nearly 30 days, particularly over an offence he described as ordinarily bailable.

“How on earth can a person be detained for almost 30 days and counting, particularly in relation to an offence that is ordinarily bailable, without meaningful consideration of her liberty and constitutional rights?” he asked.
Dantani said the EFCC’s powers to investigate did not give the commission the right to detain a suspect indefinitely, punish her before trial or disregard her fundamental rights.

He also criticised the alleged practice of photographing persons in EFCC custody and publishing their images online while they remain presumed innocent.
Citing Section 36(5) of the Constitution, Dantani said the law guarantees the presumption of innocence until a suspect is proven guilty by a competent court.

He warned that publicly portraying suspects as criminals before trial could amount to subjecting them to public punishment and humiliation.
“The EFCC is a law-enforcement institution. It must therefore be the first institution to demonstrate obedience to law. It cannot demand respect for law from citizens while appearing to disregard constitutional safeguards itself,” he said.

Dantani urged the commission to either charge Shehu before a competent court if it has credible evidence against her or release her immediately
.
“We call on EFCC to respect the Constitution, respect presumption of innocence and respect fundamental right to personal liberty. Investigation is not conviction. Detention is not punishment. And an allegation is not guilt,” he said.

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Cristiano Ronaldo’s Comment on Lionel Messi’s Tribute to His Dad Becomes Most-Liked Instagram Comment

Published

1 day ago

August 18, 2026

Our Reporter

By Fabian Apechihin

Cristiano Ronaldo’s heartfelt message to Lionel Messi following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, has reportedly become the most-liked comment in Instagram history.

Jorge Messi died on August 7 in Rosario, Argentina, aged 68. Five days later, Messi paid tribute to his late father in an emotional Instagram post featuring a photo of the pair.

In the post, Messi wrote, “Te amo, pa” — meaning “I love you, Dad” — alongside a lengthy tribute reflecting on his father’s influence and the pain of losing him.

Among the many reactions from fans, celebrities and fellow footballers was a message from Ronaldo.

“Un abrazo enorme para ti y los tuyos en estos duros momentos, Leo. Mucha fuerza,” Ronaldo wrote, which translates to: “A huge hug to you and yours in these tough times, Leo. Much strength.”

Ronaldo’s comment reportedly attracted more than 6.86 million likes and over 86,000 comments, making it the most-liked comment on Instagram.

The previous record was also held by Ronaldo, whose comment on Kylian Mbappé’s announcement of his move to Real Madrid reportedly received more than five million likes.

Other football stars also expressed their condolences to Messi. Neymar Jr.’s message, translated as “Much strength for you and your family. Big hug,” reportedly received more than 1.6 million likes, while David Beckham’s comment expressing support for Messi and his family attracted more than 300,000 likes.

In his tribute, Messi described his father’s death as difficult to comprehend, saying he struggled to accept that he would no longer see or speak with him.

Messi also recalled how his father had encouraged him to play at the 2026 World Cup despite his deteriorating health. He said his father had hoped to watch him compete and had planned to travel if his condition improved.

According to Messi, he had promised his father that Argentina would reach the final so he could be there. Although Argentina reached the final, his father was unable to attend.

Reflecting on the loss, Messi said he had wanted to win the tournament and bring the trophy to his father but ultimately struggled physically during the competition.

The emotional tribute highlighted the close bond between Messi and his father and the profound impact of his loss on the football superstar.