HIMP_Dahak_172291
HIMP_Dahak_172291 t1_j6evwqh wrote
Reply to comment by UHF1211 in Asteroids sudden flyby shows blind spot in planetary threat detection by coinfanking
Yeah, it would have to be very close. The energy dissipates exponentially with distance. The more surface area exposed to the blast the asteroid has the more energy would be transferred though, so for really big ones it might be more effective than the basic chemical thrusters we have now. Not saying alot of course. A dinosaur killer has enough mass its debatable if we currently have the tech to deflect one that would hit within a decade or two.
HIMP_Dahak_172291 t1_j6erdci wrote
Reply to comment by UHF1211 in Asteroids sudden flyby shows blind spot in planetary threat detection by coinfanking
Close nuclear detonations would still push the asteroid simply by differential heating and vaporizing the rock on the facing side. Not much of a push, but it is one. Nukes might be the only recourse for rubble asteroids too. You'd have to have the warhead on a robot that would push itself inside before detonating for it to do any good, but I can't think of a better option.
HIMP_Dahak_172291 t1_j5rwsjo wrote
Reply to comment by BabylonDrifter in NASA to test nuclear thermal rocket engine for the first time in 50 years | CNN by dem676
Well we have to get it all up there first and we dont have teleporters.
HIMP_Dahak_172291 t1_j5rsvl5 wrote
Reply to comment by BabylonDrifter in NASA to test nuclear thermal rocket engine for the first time in 50 years | CNN by dem676
Sure. Until they get caught in the Kessler belt we are busy building.
HIMP_Dahak_172291 t1_j5rscw1 wrote
Reply to comment by BabylonDrifter in NASA to test nuclear thermal rocket engine for the first time in 50 years | CNN by dem676
Given our track record with junk in orbit it could be a positively glowing future here in a century as it all falls back down.
HIMP_Dahak_172291 t1_j6hpgfi wrote
Reply to comment by Sumwan_In_Particular in Asteroids sudden flyby shows blind spot in planetary threat detection by coinfanking
From what I have read the rubble asteroids are the hardest to do something about. We can redirect a lump of iron provided we have enough warning, but rubble asteroids are much trickier since you cant just push them out of the way. The only two options are gravity tractor or demolition. Neither option is easy and both require lots more advanced warning compared to a similar mass solid asteroid.
Bunker busters wouldnt be particularly useful since the warhead wouldnt survive the impact at the speeds necessary to get sufficient penetration on a rubble asteroid big enough to need redirection. The drone idea is harder, but if you can get several deep enough with big enough bombs the blast should at least nudge the thing off course.