China has identified an asteroid for study with a space probe exclusively for scientific purposes

China is preparing a new project to divert a hazardous asteroid

Recently it has become known that China plans to change the target of its “kinetic impact” mission aimed at a celestial body threatening Earth. As an example of planetary defense, the American DART project (launched in September 2022) was used. Now the Chinese team intends to launch its own impactor spacecraft and observer to the asteroid expected to collide with it in 2029.

Who announced the change of target
This was first revealed by Lun Lehao – one of the leading engineers at CASC (China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation). He works on the Changzheng rocket series and is responsible for designing the impactor. At an industry conference in Shenzhen, Lun announced that the new target is asteroid 2016 WP8 from the Aten group.

Technical details of the mission
Element Description
Launch vehicle Changzheng‑3B
Spaceport Sichuan (Sichuan)
Launch December 2027
Instruments
1. Impact module – will remain in low Earth orbit, then collide with the asteroid in 2029.
2. Observer capsule – will perform a gravity maneuver near Venus to reach the target earlier and conduct extended observations before and after impact.

This approach allows not only to deliver an impact but also to immediately measure its effect, unlike DART, where precise data on orbit change will appear only after the arrival of the European probe Hera in 2029.

Why 2016 WP8 was chosen
Other objects were previously considered: 2019 VL5 (launch 2025) and 2015 XF261 (launch 2027). However, 2016 WP8 proved more suitable in terms of orbital characteristics, brightness for observations, and a convenient approach window to Earth.

China follows strict criteria for target selection:

- inclination < 5°,
- good visibility with telescopes,
- scientific value,
- presence of favorable Earth‑approach periods.

Contribution to global defense
Since 2022 China has been actively developing planetary defense technologies: simulating high‑speed collisions and trajectory deflections. The new project fits into China’s five‑year space activity plan (2026‑2030) and is accompanied by an open vote for the mission name.

Compared with the American DART, the Chinese program differs in several ways: the target is smaller, and there is also an observer satellite. Successful completion of the project will strengthen China’s position in the international planetary defense system and demonstrate its ability to alter trajectories of small celestial bodies – a crucial step toward preventing future threats to Earth.

Conclusion:

China is preparing to launch a mission to kinetically deflect asteroid 2016 WP8 in December 2027. The mission includes two spacecraft that will simultaneously deliver an impact and conduct detailed observations, allowing immediate assessment of the intervention’s effectiveness and enhancing global safety against potential space hazards.