As part of the global effort to hunt risky asteroids and comets, ESA is developing an automated telescope to conduct nightly sky surveys, known as a the ‘Flyeye’ telescope due to its multiple optics and extra-wide field of view. This telescope is the first in a future network that will completely scan the sky and automatically identify possible new near-Earth objects (NEOs) for follow up by human researchers.

Having the ability to predict if and when a dangerous object could strike Earth means measures can be put into place to minimise damage or, in future, to divert them before impact. 

Read more: Flyeye: ESA’s bug-eyed asteroid hunters