Eyes on the sky: Global leaders convene in Stellenbosch to tackle near-Earth threats

There were robust discussions and increasing attention paid to near-Earth objects (NEOs), which are becoming more closely monitored due to their potential threats.

South Africa is hosting the 9th International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) Planetary Defense Conference in Stellenbosch from 5 to 9 May 2025.

The week-long conference brings together scientists, engineers, policymakers and industry leaders from around the globe to discuss the protection of the planet from hazardous near-Earth objects like asteroids or comets.

Near-earth objects

Last month, Earth was given the all-clear from a possible impact by the asteroid 2024 YR4 in 2032.

However, a second target has been looming.

With recent observations, the odds of this object hitting the Moon instead have climbed to about 3.8%—the highest odds ever for a lunar impact by any natural body, according to Sky and Telescope.

ALSO READ: ‘A meteor or bolide likely hit the Eastern Cape’ – Expert [VIDEO]

Earths defence

Dr Sias Mostert, director at SCS Space, acting African Regional Secretary of the IAA and co-chair of the local organising committee for the conference, said the event is “a unique intersection of disciplines – where space meets Earth, and where science, technology, and society converge”.

“While the goal of planetary defence is to prevent asteroids from reaching our planet, this gathering goes far beyond technical assessments … The Planetary Defense Conference is more than a scientific event. It reminds us that space safety is a shared global responsibility.

“The 2025 conference stands as a symbol of our collective commitment to ensuring that space remains accessible, safe and beneficial for all humankind,” Mostert said.

SA contribution

Delivering the opening remarks, Humbulani Mudau, CEO of the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), an entity of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, underscored the four key pillars of planetary defence.

This includes detection, coordinated international response, public awareness and preparedness, and effective mitigation strategies.

Mudau recognised the roles played by the International Asteroid Warning Network and the Space Mission Planning Advisory Group.

“South Africa, and indeed the continent at large, has localised excellence in astronautics, and although we may have limited resources, we hope to contribute extensively to this global effort.”

Local ecosystem

Mostert praised the local ecosystem’s evolution over the past 35 years and its growing footprint on global missions such as the European Space Agency’s Rosetta mission and NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART).

He mentioned the Gecko camera, developed in Stellenbosch, which captured the final image of the asteroid Dimorphos in 2022 before the historic DART impact.

As the conference continues, the world watches with great interest as discussions unfold around planetary defence simulations, deflection technologies, policy coordination and public preparedness, highlighting the importance of cooperative action in the face of cosmic risks.

ALSO READ: Anyone out there? Astronomers find signs of life on distant planet