Russia To Play Ping Pong With Apophis

Though NASA has downgraded the threat of impact with Earth of the 750 foot wide asteroid named Apophis

“…PASADENA, Calif. — Using updated information, NASA scientists have recalculated the path of a large asteroid. The refined path indicates a significantly reduced likelihood of a hazardous encounter with Earth in 2036….”

The Russian Federal Space Agency is considering plans to deflect the asteroid. It seems odd that they may be trying to save the world from something that isn’t endangering the world in the first place. Or is it we don’t have all the facts? According to NASA the threat level is downgraded and the calculations say it’s not as bad as first thought. Is this supposed to garner more attention for the RFSA and ultimately salvage their failing space program or is it a serious attempt to protect our planet?

And if they’re successful in creating the spacecraft to deflect it, and if they are able to launch the craft, and if they are able to navigate the craft to the asteroid, what are the chances that this action will actually deflect it directly into Earth’s path?

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