Scientists find nuclear weapons could protect Earth from asteroids

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Central Asia (CA) – Chinese scientists have found a way to protect the Earth from asteroid impacts. To achieve this goal, experts from the Beijing Institute of Space System Development and Research, China Academy of Space Technology, suggest using nuclear weapons.

In addition, they believe that in some cases where asteroids could collide with Earth, only nuclear weapons can help prevent the disaster. The study was published in the Chinese scientific journal Science Chinese Journal of Engineering.

As the authors of the study note, the risk of an asteroid collision with Earth is “much higher than calculated from the available asteroid data”. More than 30,000 asteroids have now been registered, although, according to scientists, this is probably just the tip of the iceberg, and many unregistered space objects may be large, with a diameter of more than 1 km. Therefore, they point out that it is necessary to start research and development as soon as possible to protect the Earth from the threat of nuclear weapons.

Scientists have analyzed several methods of exerting external influence on different types of asteroids in order to force them to change their orbits. In addition, the use of powerful lasers, rockets or plasma engines, kinetic impacts and other impact methods have been considered. However, as their research shows, if there is only a week from the discovery of an asteroid to its possible collision with the Earth, then nuclear weapons will be humanity’s only hope.

The study lists the technologies required for such protection. In particular, rapid launch of nuclear warheads from Earth in an ultra-short time of 7 days to 1 month; accurate strikes after long-distance flights with an error of less than 100m; and long-term placement of warheads in Earth orbit and ensuring their safe existence for more than 10 years.

The authors of the study stressed that they are well aware of international law prohibiting the use or placement of nuclear weapons in space, and that radioactive fallout could contaminate outer space. But they noted that according to the study, nuclear weapons are very effective in protecting the Earth, and the best option to prevent the potential threat of asteroids is to establish a global defense system based on nuclear weapons.