Planetary Defense at NASA

What would happen if an asteroid were on a collision course with Earth? In this talk, Dr. Kelly Fast, NASA’s Acting Planetary Defense Officer, provides an engaging overview of how NASA’s planetary defense program discovers, tracks, and studies near-Earth objects—asteroids and comets that could pose an impact hazard to our planet—and how scientists and engineers are studying methods to deflect them, if necessary. Dr. Fast also discusses the global network of astronomers and planetary defenders who work together to share observations, verify data, and safeguard our planet from cosmic impact threats. This was recorded on March 26, 2026. We’re engaging students in NASA’s exciting missions, broad range of careers, and unique opportunities. Join us as we apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to explore space, improve aeronautics, examine Earth, and strive to land the next humans on the Moon with the Artemis program. NASA STEM resources: https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/ Follow us on social media. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LearnWithNASA X: https://x.com/LearnWithNASA Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nasa/learn-with-nasa/