Asteroid exploration involves sending spacecraft to study asteroids, which are small rocky bodies orbiting the Sun. These missions aim to gather data about the composition, structure, and history of asteroids, helping scientists understand the early solar system. Notable missions include NASA's OSIRIS-REx, which collected samples from the asteroid Bennu, and the Hayabusa2 mission by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), which returned samples from Ryugu. Studying asteroids is crucial for planetary defense, as some may pose a threat to Earth. By understanding their orbits and physical properties, scientists can develop strategies to mitigate potential impacts. Additionally, asteroids may contain valuable resources, making them targets for future exploration and mining efforts.