Dave Owen
Te Awamutu’s “Space Dave” has complete faith that Nasa and other space agencies can deal with a rogue asteroid heading towards Earth.
Te Awamutu Space Centre’s “Space Dave” says Nasa, the European Space Agency, and Rocket Lab could all play a part in deflecting an asteroid impact.
He says we should treat the emergence as a planetary emergency drill.
Astronomers warn there is a two per cent chance of space rock 2024 YR4 hitting our planet in 2032.
“Nasa and other space agencies are always on the lookout for potentially dangerous near-Earth objects,” Te Awamutu Space Centre astronomer and founder Dave Owen told The News.
Owen has operated the space centre in Lyon Street, Kihikihi, since 2014.
“As they find new ones, it takes time to figure out their exact orbits,” he said.
“During this early tracking stage, it’s normal for the odds of hitting Earth to fluctuate. That’s what’s happening with this asteroid. While the odds are currently around two per cent, my best guess is that this will come down to virtually zero soon. However, it could be as late as 2028 before we know for sure.”
Te Awamutu Space Centre’s “Space Dave” says Nasa, the European Space Agency, and Rocket Lab could all play a part in deflecting an asteroid impact.
Even in the unlikely event 2024 YR4 is on a collision course with Earth, Owen said there lots of time to prepare.
“…we know what to do. We just need to send a rocket to the asteroid and give it a little nudge to change its direction enough to miss Earth. Nasa has already tested this procedure, and it worked.”
Nasa tested and proved the technology for redirecting asteroids in 2021.
“There are also other space agencies such as the European Space Agency, who would likely be involved. Even New Zealand’s Rocket Lab could potentially play a part.”
Te Awamutu Space Centre
In the absolute worst-case scenario, Owen said, humanity had time to calculate where it would hit Earth and evacuate that area.
“This could mean displacing a city-sized population, which is bad, but it’s not an existential threat,” he said.
“Whether or not this asteroid turns out to be a problem, one thing is almost guaranteed: It’s only a matter of time before we do face a serious asteroid impact. That’s when everyone will suddenly be happy that we have a spaceflight programme because that’s what will save us.
“Any concerns I have are not with Nasa, they’re with politicians.”
Owen said he had seen US apocalyptic political satire black comedy film Don’t Look Up and its message was a serious one.
“This is a completely solvable problem, as long as politicians and the general public are willing to fund the solution.”
Te Awamutu Space Centre
