On 15 February 2013, a small asteroid roughly 20 metres across exploded over the city of Chelyabinsk in Russia, injuring about 1,500 people. It was also believed that the mass extinction which ended the dinosaur era 66 million years ago had been triggered by a cataclysmic asteroid impact. No wonder scientists are exploring ways to prevent asteroids from hitting Earth.

On the other hand, some scientists see them playing a role in space exploration. The hydrated minerals in some asteroids may be potential sources of water and fuel, solving much of the logistics problem. If it works out, asteroids could be the stepping stones to other worlds in the Solar System - veritable way stations in space.

As with any new venture in space, the challenges involved with making this idea a reality are enormous. However, a mission this extreme could ultimately lead us to learn how to protect our planet and how to successfully inhabit other worlds.

In the 3D Dome Show "Asteroid: Mission Extreme 3D", audiences will venture with astronauts to reach an asteroid and tame it for our purposes, and along the way learn how such an extraordinary adventure could benefit humankind.

Are you ready for the mission?