Core Viewpoint - China is planning a kinetic impact demonstration mission on an asteroid to validate asteroid defense strategies, utilizing a "flyby-impact-flyby" mission model [1][3]. Group 1: Mission Overview - The mission will involve launching an observer spacecraft to conduct close observations of the target asteroid, followed by a kinetic impactor that will collide with the asteroid at high speed [1]. - The entire impact process will be monitored using advanced imaging techniques to assess the impact effects on the asteroid's orbit, morphology, and ejecta [1]. Group 2: Global Collaboration and Defense System - China will issue a cooperation initiative to global partners for joint monitoring, payload development, and data sharing related to asteroid defense [3]. - The establishment of a near-Earth asteroid defense system is underway to address the threat posed by near-Earth asteroids [3]. Group 3: Historical Context and Threats - Historical asteroid impacts, such as the one that caused the extinction of the dinosaurs, highlight the ongoing threat near-Earth asteroids pose to Earth [4]. - Recent observations of asteroids, including 2024 YR4 and 7335 (1989 JA), demonstrate the potential risks, although many pass without incident [6][8]. Group 4: Scientific and Resource Value - Asteroids are considered valuable for scientific research as they may contain primordial materials from the early solar system, aiding in understanding planetary evolution [12]. - The potential for resource extraction from asteroids is significant, as they may harbor rare materials not found on Earth [14]. Group 5: Current Missions - The Tianwen-2 mission, launched in May, aims to explore the near-Earth asteroid 2016 HO3, with a planned ten-year mission involving multiple phases including sampling and return to Earth [16].