Aarti Holla-Maini is a key figure at the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (Unoosa). Based in Vienna, she has trained for emergencies that could arise from space threats. Her job might sound like science fiction, but it’s very real. If a significant asteroid were heading towards Earth, Holla-Maini would be the one to alert the UN Secretary-General, who would then notify world leaders.
Not long ago, she faced such a situation. In December 2024, a robotic telescope in Chile discovered an asteroid called 2024 YR4. Initially, it seemed small, like a tiny building in space. As scientists tracked it, the odds of it hitting Earth grew. What started as a 0.05% chance of collision increased to over 1% within a few weeks. Though the probability sounded low, if it struck, the energy released would be enormous—comparable to hundreds of Hiroshima bombs.
This event marked Unoosa’s first global alert since they began focusing on planetary defense in 2013. According to experts, even small asteroids can cause significant damage. For instance, a meteor exploded over Chelyabinsk, Russia, in 2013. It had a diameter of just 20 meters, yet its energy was equivalent to 500 kilotons of TNT, injuring over 1,200 people.
During the emergency, Unoosa’s Romana Kofler worked tirelessly alongside Holla-Maini. Trained for simulations, they quickly drafted communications for the Secretary-General. “We had prepared for this, but it was real,” Kofler recalled. The situation underscored the urgent need for global cooperative action in space defense.
Meanwhile, technology has advanced. NASA’s DART mission successfully tested a method to deflect asteroids through collisions. This technique could potentially save us from future impacts.
Although Unoosa may not be a well-known agency, it plays a crucial role as the number of satellites in orbit reaches over 10,000. With more planned in the coming years, space has become a busy and risky arena. Holla-Maini and her small team are also responsible for monitoring satellite traffic to prevent collisions, which can be complicated, especially when nations lack communication.
For example, there was a tense moment when a Malaysian satellite was on a collision course with a North Korean satellite. Holla-Maini faced a challenge in contacting North Korea, but fortunately, the issue resolved itself when the North Korean satellite moved. Such scenarios highlight how critical Unoosa’s mission is for maintaining safety in space.
Despite limited resources, Holla-Maini’s team has trained for crises and managed to respond effectively to real threats. The 2024 YR4 incident was a test of their emergency protocols, showing how vital international cooperation is in today’s world. For now, 2024 YR4 is being monitored, and the chances of it striking Earth have significantly decreased. “It was almost like it disappeared,” she said.
For further insights into space threats and defense strategies, you can visit the NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO) [here](https://www.nasa.gov/planetarydefense).
