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CptHammer_ t1_jaounbm wrote

Reply to comment by could_use_a_snack in NASA’s DART data validates kinetic impact as planetary defense method | DART altered the orbit of the asteroid moonlet Dimorphos by 33 minutes by mepper

>This will never be used as a weapon. It can't be.

You're saying basically it's impossible to do what they did. And you seem to also think that practice doesn't make perfect.

>I hope that you are either still in school and haven't taken basic 9th grade physics yet or have just forgotten what you have learned.

I've taught physics at a collegic level. This is barely a physics problem and more of an economic problem. We already know we can divert astroids, how much will it cost to put it where we want it?

You're probably unaware of proposals to aim astroids into a Mars orbit for mining. Mars orbit before lunar orbit just to prove we won't make accidents. Lunar orbits rather than earth orbits because we actually don't need much material back on earth. Only to replace the materials we sent to space. And of course it's an extra risk.

The idea of mining astroids in place is too dangerous and too costly as it's simply easier to bring things to the mill rather than moving mining operations so often. It's why we don't build a saw mill in every tree grove for lumber production, we move the logs to the mill.

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could_use_a_snack t1_jap1qve wrote

You make some good points.

This is not what they did however. They didn't aim an asteroid anywhere. They caused it to change its orbit.

Yes you can move an asteroid to orbit a planet, but it will take years to do this. Making several minor adjustments over a long period of time. Not a great way to fire a weapon if everyone can see what you are doing for 3 years.

And the mill towns I've seen (I live in one that isn't one anymore) are always right next to the forest, if not in the middle. Moving huge trees is costly, you mill them as close to the source as possible and then transport the finished product to its destination.

And. If you did teach physics, I feel sorry for your students, anyone that doesn't want to see science funded shouldn't be teaching it.

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CptHammer_ t1_japefzp wrote

>Not a great way to fire a weapon if everyone can see what you are doing for 3 years.

I don't think they're trying to hide it. Did you skip past the part where I said putting them in lunar orbit? It would take a push of the button at precisely the right time to send one to earth. Once they've been reduced to the appropriate size for the deviation they want to cause.

Even worse is if I'm wrong and a government isn't behind it but a terrorist. I'm telling you any perceived good is outweighed by the inevitable bad.

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could_use_a_snack t1_jaq2wgn wrote

Wait, are you suggesting that what would amount to a trillion dollar industry capable of getting multiple asteroids into orbit around the moon, will be accomplished by a terrorist organization?

I'm done talking to you. You are just being ridiculous now.

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CptHammer_ t1_jaqo8hh wrote

No, I'm saying once the benevolent portion of the plan is finished a terrorist could turn it into a weapon. I don't care how benevolent a plan you suggest any new technology will be weaponized.

It's like you're trying to suggest terrorists invented bombs with their own R&D to come to the conclusion you did.

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