NASA finds no tech available to stop asteroid collision with Earth
The simulation was hypothetical.
(Web Desk) - NASA conducted a table-top exercise last month to determine the time scientists will take to understand and find ways to prevent a catastrophic collision of an incoming asteroid into the Earth.
The simulation was hypothetical and intended to allow scientists time to prepare for such situations if that were to arise.
The scenario was that a mysterious asteroid from about 35 million miles away is coming towards Earth and is expected to hit the planet in six months. Scientists sat down for a week starting April 26 to plan ways to stop or change the direction of the hypothetical asteroid, named 2021 PDC.
The scientists concluded that currently there was no technology available to stop a massive asteroid from wiping out the world. For deflecting the asteroid, they added, more time than six months would be required.
The scientists said in a statement that if confronted with the hypothetical scenario in real life “we would not be able to launch any spacecraft on such short notice with current capabilities.”
They also said that use of a nuclear explosive device to disrupt the asteroid could reduce the risk of damage even in the absence of a clear understanding of asteroid properties. However, the ability of typical nuclear explosive devices to robustly disrupt near-Earth objects may not be adequate for larger asteroids.
