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By NASA Communications

How would humanity respond if we discovered an asteroid headed for Earth? 

NASA’s Planetary Defenders is a gripping documentary that delves into the high-stakes world of asteroid detection and planetary defense. Journey alongside a dedicated team of astronomers and scientists working tirelessly to track and monitor near-Earth asteroids, aiming to protect our planet from potential impacts. This documentary captures the intricate and collaborative efforts of these unsung heroes, blending cutting-edge science with personal stories to reveal the human spirit behind this critical global endeavor. Witness the drama, the challenges and the triumphs of those on the front lines of planetary defense.

Planetary Defenders focuses on the LPL Catalina Sky Survey and Spacewatch programs, both part of NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office which has a mission to find, track, and better understand asteroids and comets that could pose an impact hazard to Earth.

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Spacewatch researcher and LPL alumna Dr. Cassandra Lejoly is one of the many familiar LPL faces that appear in the documentary. During an interview in the film, Dr. Lejoly noted, "I really like that I am protecting the planet. And yes, I'm not the one that's with a cape pushing the asteroid away, that's not what I do. In some ways, my little contribution might not help just myself, but someone in the future, and I think it's very important to do that." 

Planetary Defenders can be streamed on NASA+ and YouTube and is available on NASA+ from Amazon Prime.

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