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USS *Hammarskjöld Task Asteroid* (provisional designation **2008 EA33**) is a near-Earth asteroid discovered on March 6, 2008, by astronomers at the Catalina Sky Survey in Arizona, United States. Named in honor of the late United Nations Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld, the asteroid was officially designated by the Minor Planet Center in 2010. The naming reflects Hammarskjöld’s contributions to international peacekeeping and diplomacy, aligning with the asteroid’s classification as a potential Earth-approaching object.

The asteroid belongs to the Apollo group, characterized by orbits that cross Earth’s path. Estimates suggest its diameter ranges between 100 and 300 meters, though precise measurements remain uncertain due to its variable reflectivity. Observations indicate a rotational period of approximately 5.5 hours, with a relatively dark surface, typical of carbonaceous chondrite asteroids. While its orbit occasionally brings it within 0.05 astronomical units (AU) of Earth, there is no current threat of collision, and its trajectory has been monitored by space agencies for decades.

Scientific interest in 2008 EA33 lies in its potential as a target for future exploration missions, particularly for studies on asteroid composition and deflection techniques. Its proximity to Earth makes it a candidate for sample-return or rendezvous missions, though no formal mission has been proposed as of yet. The asteroid’s designation as a "Hammarskjöld Task" object is symbolic, emphasizing its role in discussions about planetary defense and space resource utilization.

Researchers continue to track its orbit using radar and optical telescopes, refining predictions to assess long-term risks. While not classified as a "potentially hazardous asteroid" (PHA) by the Minor Planet Center, its size and trajectory warrant ongoing attention within the scientific community. The asteroid remains a subject of study in asteroid dynamics and the broader field of planetary science.