Speaker
Description
Near-earth objects can range from less than one meter to tens of kilometres. While smaller NEOs explode entering the atmosphere, those bigger than 140 m are considered potential hazardous objects (PHO) and are monitored to avoid future catastrophes. Even though early detection and warning systems help us in analysing the threat, we need technology to deflect or destroy the PHOs before they reach near Earth. This research explores the current state of research and development in NEO mitigation technologies, which include kinetic impactors, gravity tractors, and nuclear detonation, with their limitations and advancements.
We categorise our research into two major options available: deflection of asteroids or exploding the asteroid. To study deflection, we examined many approaches, including using steam generated by charged particles to apply force on the asteroid, altering its course, utilising the Lorentz force theory to interact with asteroid plasma via a magnetic field, or using the laser ablation method, where we use high-energy lasers on the asteroid surface to vaporise the material to create thrust and deflect it. We also examined the DART mission concept, gravity tractor, and upgraded gravity tractor to get a deeper understanding of the mechanisms for asteroid deflection.
While deflections seem promising, they don’t provide viable solutions for terminal scenarios, like little warning time before the impact of the Chelyabinsk. For these kinds of asteroids, we need better mechanics to destroy them before they impact the Earth. For exploding the asteroid, we studied methods like kinetic impactors, which are primarily used for deflection but if targeted for smaller asteroids, the impact can destroy the asteroid. We also included nuclear detonation methods to destroy the asteroids. With the advancement in risk assessment, we must consider the potential risk involved in destroying an asteroid in space or the Earth's atmosphere. We also consider the fragmentation risk of destroying an asteroid as it can create debris and the use of nuclear weapons in space while considering the current technological limitations as well. With this comparative study, we have included suggestions to analyse risk and take necessary majors by global collaboration.