Researchers from the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) have presented a two-stage method for neutralizing large asteroids that threaten Earth. The work was published in the journal Space: Science & Technology, with the results reported by the South China Morning Post.

What the idea entails

The proposed approach consists of two steps. First, a metal projectile punches a deep crater into the asteroid. Then, a spacecraft delivers a nuclear charge into the cavity and detonates it in a controlled explosion.

According to simulations, a 3-megaton explosion is capable of completely destroying an asteroid about 100 meters in diameter. Moreover, placing the charge at a depth of 30 meters increases the deflection effect by more than three times compared to a shallow explosion. This makes the method significantly more effective both for destruction and for altering the trajectory of the celestial body.

Why this matters

Scientists continue to search for ways to protect Earth from potentially hazardous asteroids. A deep subsurface explosion allows better energy transfer into the target body and improves the effectiveness of the impact. The Chinese study adds a new option to the set of possible planetary defense technologies.

In brief

Chinese researchers have proposed a two-stage method for dealing with dangerous asteroids: first punch a crater with a metal projectile, then detonate a nuclear charge at a depth of about 30 meters. Modeling has shown that this approach is significantly more effective than a surface explosion and is capable of destroying an asteroid about 100 meters in diameter. The work was published in the journal Space: Science & Technology.