International Asteroid Day 2025
On 30th June 1908, an asteroid, called Tunguska, landed in Siberia, Russia. It is the largest recorded asteroid impact on the Earth. In order to raise awareness about the threats of asteroids and other Near-Earth Objects (NEOs), the UN General Assembly designated 30th June of every year as the International Asteroid Day.
In commemoration of this day, the African Space Leadership Institute (ASLI) is organising a virtual roundtable on 30th June 2025, with the theme: “Planetary Defence: Africa’s Role in Global Preparedness.”
Lead discussants are:
➡️ Dr. Youssef Moulane (Research Scientist, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, UM6P)
Dr. Youssef Moulane is a Research Scientist in astronomy and astrophysics at the Institute of Applied Physics, UM6P. He previously worked as a Postdoc at Auburn University in the United States. His research focuses on the study of the physical and chemical properties of small bodies of the solar system, including comets and asteroids. He is also interested in studying the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) and the origin of the universe. He holds a Ph.D. in Astronomy and Space Science from Cadi Ayyad University in Morocco and the University of Liège in Belgium in 2021. He has previously worked as a visiting researcher at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) in Chile between 2019-2021. In addition to his academic work, he is also interested in outreach and educational activities in the field of astronomy for the public and general audience.
➡️ Dr. Naomi Frimpong (Deputy Director, IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach, and Vice-President, African Astronomical Society
Naomi Asabre Frimpong is an astrophysicist, science communicator, and leader in African astronomy. Naomi was a research scientist and Head of Science Communications and Outreach at the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute. She has her PhD from the University of Manchester's Jodrell Bank Center for Astrophysics, UK. Naomi’s work has advanced the field of astronomy and the growth of scientific communities across Africa. As the former Vice President of the African Astronomical Society, she championed the development of astronomy across the continent and continues to do so on a global scale in her role as Deputy Director of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) Office for Astronomy Outreach.
➡️ Sias Mostert (Founder/Chairman, SCS Space)
With over 30 years of experience in spacecraft development and space enterprises, Sias Mostert has pioneered enterprises both in the upstream and downstream space sectors. He was the local co-chair for the IAA Planetary Defence Conference in Stellenbosch, South Africa in May 2025. Formerly a professor at Stellenbosch University, he was Development Manager of the Sunsat program. Currently he is focused on developing space infrastructure tailored to Africa’s needs. He holds a PhD from Stellenbosch University and an Executive MBA from the University of Cape Town.
➡️ David Kasibante (Founder, Space4Tomorrow)
Kasibante David is a space law and policy specialist and analyst, based in Uganda. He is the team leader and founder of Space4Tomorrow, a space advocacy initiative. He has worked with the Ugandan government and other stakeholders to realise the full potential of youth in space sciences, law and policy, through research and development in the space sector. He currently serves as the Africa Regional Coordinator at the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC), and he has researched and written widely on various aspects of the merger between space policy, peace and development, including public lectures and symposia.
The event will also feature an interactive asteroid impact simulation activity.