Past Asteroid Stopping Plans
By: Dwip Patel
Six Great Asteroid Stopping Plans Have been made.
Nuclear Explotions
A nuclear bomb can be planted on top of the asteroid, causing the asteroid to blow up in space. Although, due to the explosion, smaller pieces of the asteroid might head towards the earth, and will be harder to detect.
Solar Sail
The energy from the sun can apply pressure on an object. The solar sail can be attached to the asteroid to harness the solar wind, which will cause the asteroid to slightly move and go off coarse. It is similar to a sailboat on earth.
Lots of Paint
A Russian engineer's discovery suggests that sun warms an asteroid more on the day side than on the night. the warmer side transmits more thermal radiation, causing the asteroid to gently nudge. if paint is added to some parts of the asteroid, that would shift it's path.
Kinetic Impactor
Any projectile that conflicts would change the asteroid's thrust. A European Space Agency is preparing this plan. they are going to position an orbiter around the asteroid. Then, launch an "Impactor" against it so the asteroid's orbit will change. even the slightest change in orbit can save earth.
Solar Sail Arrays
A series of solar sails can be put into outer space away from the asteroid, but pointing right at it. These special solar sails will concentrate the energy into a small proportion and will shine at the asteroid. This will hopefully destroy the asteroid completely.
Rocket Motor
A rocket or motor can be attached to the object , and be used to push it into a new coarse.