When it comes to natural disasters, it is often impossible to predict more than a few months or even days in advance. We cannot say, “There will be an earthquake within two years, so let’s prepare.” But one of the few things we can really prepare for is an asteroid impact.
No one has yet discovered a large asteroid on a collision course with Earth, but scientists, engineers, and policymakers are working on plans to defend the planet in the event it does. Techniques to avoid disaster are already being tested, such as impacting asteroids to change their orbits, as NASA’s double asteroid redirection test mission did successfully in 2022.
One of the surprisingly useful planetary defense tools is running a role-playing game. This reveals roadblocks that can derail even the best-laid plans. Paul Chodas of NASA, who runs some of these exercises, says they reveal problems that would never have been considered otherwise. In this special feature, “If an asteroid were to come towards Earth, would you be able to avoid the disaster?”, let’s try out such a game for yourself.
Compared to other existential threats, the risk from asteroids is relatively small
It goes without saying that factors such as the size of rocks coming from space and how quickly they are discovered have a major impact on whether disasters can be successfully avoided, but it is important to cooperate on a global scale to reduce space risks. So is the ability to communicate effectively. different options. These are important lessons that go beyond just protecting yourself from asteroids.
Compared to other existential threats, the risk of an asteroid coming our way is relatively small. Climate change is already happening. Pandemics have occurred regularly throughout human history, and global warming has made them even more likely. We know that these involve technical challenges, such as the development and deployment of green technologies, but the social challenges are equally important.
Only with effective global cooperation and communication can humanity tackle its greatest challenges. That’s as true in the Asteroid Roleplaying Game as it is in real life.
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