NASA Unveils 'Planetary Defense' Programme To Save Earth From Armageddon-Type Asteroids

How NASA Is Going To Stop Armageddon Asteroids Wiping Us Out

Keep calm everyone, NASA has a plan to save us from any Armageddon-esque asteroids that might be heading towards Earth.

The space agency has unveiled a programme dubbed, Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO).

Its main aim will be to detect and monitor near-earth objects and coordinate an "intergovernmental" effort to "any potential impact threats."

According to NASA, more than 13,500 near-Earth objects (NEOs) have been detected and 95 percent of them have been identified as a result of surveys funded by the space agency.

Lindley Johnson, Planetary Defense Officer for the programme, said: "The formal establishment of the Planetary Defense Coordination Office makes it evident that the agency is committed to perform a leadership role in national and international efforts for detection of these natural impact hazards, and to be engaged in planning if there is a need for planetary defense."

One of NASA's main goals is finding objects that are 140 metres wide or larger while the long-term aim is to develop technologies that could deflect this matter if it is on a collision course with Earth.

If an intervention is not possible, the space agency will work with the U.S.' emergency response team -- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) -- to work out impact timing and locations.

According to the agency's statement, the same courtesies will given to "international counterparts."

In the UK, Brian May joined hands with scientists around the country and launched Asteroid Day on June 30, to amplify asteroid-detection efforts.

Speaking to the Huffington Post UK at the time, he said: "One day it (Asteroid Day) may save the world."

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