1. Asteroid Deflection Technologies
One of the most promising approaches to defending Earth from asteroid impacts is through the use of advanced technologies that can deflect or disrupt the trajectory of incoming asteroids. These technologies include:
* Kinetic impactors: These are spacecraft that are designed to collide with an asteroid and transfer their momentum to the asteroid, causing it to change its trajectory.
* Gravity tractors: These are spacecraft that use their gravitational pull to slowly and steadily tug on an asteroid, gradually altering its course.
* Solar sails: These are large, thin mirrors that are propelled by the pressure of sunlight, allowing them to travel vast distances without using fuel. They can be used to push or pull asteroids out of...
The kinetic impactor method is currently the only proven way to deflect an asteroid. This method involves launching a spacecraft that rams into the asteroid at high speed, transferring its momentum and pushing the asteroid off course.
As for combating larger asteroids, the best option currently is to launch a nuclear weapon at them. A single appropriately sized nuclear explosive device can deflect a 1.5-kilometer asteroid.
DART asteroid-smashing team and record-breaking astronaut Peggy Whitson honored for impact on ...
NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson and the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) team have been awarded this year's Michael Collins Trophy in honor of their achievements in space.
"Just as Dr. Whitson's achievements have pushed the boundaries of our scientific knowledge, the DART team's achievements and successful engineering capabilities have advanced humankind and will shape our approach to planetary defense for years to come," Browne said in the statement.
NASA's first successful recovery of asteroid samples may reveal information about the origins of ...
Neeraja Chinchalkar does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
The OSIRIS-REx mission is NASA's first mission to collect samples from an asteroid — in this case 101955 Bennu — and return to Earth.
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