Interception of near-earth objects
Abstract
Strategies for destroying or deflecting near-earth objects (NEOs) on a collision course with earth are discussed. Objects which give little warning, such as long-period comets or smaller-diameter asteroids, would require very high energies to deflect. The most effective deflection method is to blow off part of the object's surface. Subsurface detonation is most efficient but risks splitting the object into undeflected fragments. Advanced radars could extend precise orbit determination to a distance of about 1 AU. Missions to determine NEO characteristics could use current defense-derived technology; actual interception may require advanced upper stages, nuclear or electric propulsion. Costs for several different detection and interception programs are estimated.
- Publication:
-
Mercury
- Pub Date:
- June 1992
- Bibcode:
- 1992Mercu..21..107C
- Keywords:
-
- Asteroids;
- Comets;
- Interception;
- Detection;
- Meteoroid Hazards;
- Space Sciences (General)
