Deflection and fragmentation of near-Earth asteroids

Article Abstract:

Near-Earth objects (NEOs) such as asteroids and comet nuclei that might smash into the Earth could be warded off either by firing a rocket-borne mass at them or by setting off nuclear warheads near them. The destruction and terrible loss of life that an NEO impact would cause on Earth should prompt the human race to consider preventive measures. NEOs smaller than 100 meters across could be steered away by striking them with heavy objects, but larger NEOs would require a nuclear detonation. A radiative nuclear explosion would be more effective than a surface detonation designed to break apart the NEO.

Usage, Prevention, Nuclear weapons, Comets

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Making and braking asteroids

Article Abstract:

Asteroids may not be rigid and spherical, though models have tended to assume that this is the case. Usage of high-speed computers has helped with detailed modeling of asteroids and has helped understand what occurs when they collide with other bodies. Some asteroids may consist of debris which has fractured into a pile. A rubble pile structure means that it is not easy to nudge an asteroid off course using a bomb. Asteroids have to be discovered a long time in advance of a possible impact with Earth if any action seeking to prevent a collision with Earth is to be effective.

Meteors

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Destructive debris

Article Abstract:

Italian researchers have proposed that an orbit nearly 1000 km above the Earth could lead to a cosmic disaster due to collisions between payloads, rocket bodies and bits of debris. Models of erosion and catastrophic breakup predict a runaway in debris population above the earth which could collide with and destroy satellites and rocket casings launched nearby. With the runaway growth being estimated to occur in nearly 50 to 500 years, researchers are investigating new ways to avert the possible disaster.

Space debris, Cosmic physics, Cosmological physics

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