1 Min Read Coming Spring 2025: Planetary Defenders Documentary The image depicts the interior of an observatory dome with a large opening through which daylight is visible. The dome structure consists of curved metallic panels that meet at the top, with one panel slightly open on the left side, revealing a cross-braced metal framework. In the foreground, a person stands on a ladder inside the dome, wearing a casual T-shirt with a prominent logo. The person is looking upward toward the opening, partially illuminated by the ambient light. Behind them is an array of mechanical equipment, possibly part of the dome’s operation system. The overall color scheme is composed of metallic grays and earth tones from the dome's surfaces. David Rankin, Senior Survey Operations Specialist at Catalina Sky Survey, is seen opening the dome structure surrounding the telescope at the asteroid-hunting facility in Mt. Lemmon, AZ. Credits:
NASA How would humanity respond if we discovered an asteroid headed for Earth? NASA’s Planetary Defenders is a gripping documentary that delves into the high-stakes world of asteroid detection and planetary defense. Journey alongside a dedicated team of astronomers and scientists working tirelessly to track and monitor near-Earth asteroids, aiming to protect our planet from potential impacts. This documentary captures the intricate and collaborative efforts of these unsung heroes, blending cutting-edge science with personal stories to reveal the human spirit behind this critical global endeavor. Witness the drama, the challenges and the triumphs of those on the front lines of planetary defense.

The dinosaurs went extinct because they didn’t have a space program. We do have one. Dr. vishnu reddy Dr. vishnu reddy

Professor of Planetary Science, University of Arizona

Dr. Shantanu Naidu, Asteroid Radar Researcher, from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory points toward the Goldstone Solar System Radar in Barstow, CA – the most powerful planetary radar on Earth. NASA In 2016, NASA established the Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO) to manage the agency’s ongoing mission of finding, tracking, and better understanding asteroids and comets that could pose an impact hazard to Earth.

I really like that I am protecting the planet. And yes, I’m not the one that’s with a cape pushing the asteroid away, that’s not what I do. In some ways, my little contribution might not help just myself, but someone in the future, and I think it’s very important to do that. Dr. CASSANDRA LEJOLY Dr. CASSANDRA LEJOLY

RESEARCHER, SPACEWATCH®

Dr. Cassandra Lejoly, a researcher with the University of Arizona’s SPACEWATCH® program, sits at a computer console at Kitt Peak National Observatory in Tuscon, AZ, where she conducts follow up observations on near-Earth objects. NASA Planetary Defenders is an original NASA documentary that showcases the challenges and the triumphs of those on the front lines of planetary defense. This documentary will be released on NASA+ and other streaming platforms in Spring 2025. Stay tuned for updates!

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Details Last Updated Dec 03, 2024 Related Terms Planetary Defense Planetary Defense Coordination Office Science Mission Directorate

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Coming Spring 2025: Planetary Defenders Documentary