Scenariu de apărare planetară: cercetători chinezi propun detonarea unei încărcături nucleare în interiorul unui asteroid

Researchers from the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology have proposed a nuclear method to neutralize large asteroids threatening Earth. Their study, published in Space: Science & Technology, suggests using a spacecraft to drill a deep crater into an asteroid, where a nuclear charge would be detonated. Simulations indicate that such an explosion could effectively alter the asteroid's trajectory, especially if detonated below the surface. This approach could be crucial for large asteroids detected shortly before a potential impact, as traditional deflection methods may not be timely enough. The study aims to inform future planetary defense systems.