Possible Earth-bound Asteroid Solutions

Currently NASA is undergoing investigation to see what needs to be done if an asteroid was making a bee-line for Earth. Scientists have been playing scenario after scenario of what to do if action needs to be taken. They have thought of lasers, giant space mirrors that would melt ice on the surface, installing jet engines that would change its course, and even painting half an asteroid to radiate heat on each side differently, again changing it’s course. There is also talk about sending up a spacecraft to circle the asteroid while sending another spacecraft to intercept it. The only concern is that the asteroid would shatter into pieces and come crashing down on Earth’s surface. Another very plausible option has been keyed “the gravity tractor”. Physicist Ed Lu suggests sending a space craft near the asteroid and use it’s own gravity to pull it off course. It has less chance of problematic errors and can be done in a short amount of time.

So as you can see, there are a lot of plans and ideas but no definite solution. So reassuring, isn’t it?

Currently NASA is undergoing investigation to see what needs to be done if an asteroid was making a bee-line for Earth. Scientists have been playing scenario after scenario of what to do if action needs to be taken. They have thought of lasers, giant space mirrors that would melt ice on the surface, installing jet engines that would change its course, and even painting half an asteroid to radiate heat on each side differently, again changing it’s course. There is also talk about sending up a spacecraft to circle the asteroid while sending another spacecraft to intercept it. The only concern is that the asteroid would shatter into pieces and come crashing down on Earth’s surface. Another very plausible option has been keyed “the gravity tractor”. Physicist Ed Lu suggests sending a space craft near the asteroid and use it’s own gravity to pull it off course. It has less chance of problematic errors and can be done in a short amount of time.

So as you can see, there are a lot of plans and ideas but no definite solution. So reassuring, isn’t it?