The Planetary Defense Project brings together researchers across Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences (EAPS), Aeronautics and Astronautics (AeroAstro), MIT Haystack Observatory and other collaborating units to advance the scientific foundations of near-Earth object detection, small-body characterization, and impact risk assessment.
Our collaboration integrates space-based, radar, radio, and optical facilities to extract reliable physical insight from information-rich but model-limited regimes. By combining observational precision, first-principles modeling, and statistical rigor, we aim to strengthen both the scientific understanding and operational assessment of small-body populations in the Solar System.
Our Mission
To advance the science and engineering of planetary defense through innovative research, collaborative partnerships, and the training of the next generation of researchers dedicated to understanding and managing the evolving small-body environment of the Solar System.
2024 YR4 Observations
Time-critical JWST observations of asteroid 2024 YR4 are underway to refine the probability of a potential 2032 lunar impact. These observations contribute to the broader planetary defense effort to understand decameter-scale objects and their relevance for the stability of Earth's orbital environment. Updates will be provided here as appropriate.