Suarajatimpost.com – The US Space Agency (NASA) is working hard to devise a strategy to stop an asteroid that has the potential to destroy Earth. These plans involve launching large fleets of space probes or even the use of nuclear weapons to deal with possible threats.
Although there is currently no immediate risk from asteroids in the near future, NASA is still preparing for the worst by conducting simulations and tests aimed at changing the trajectory of dangerous asteroids.
In 2023, NASA released the National Preparedness Strategy and Action Plan for Near Earth Objects and Hazards, which outlines steps to prevent global devastation from near Earth Objects (NEOs). The plan emphasizes two main approaches: using a spacecraft to divert the asteroid from its path or, as a last resort, employing a nuclear explosion.
Although a large asteroid strike seems unlikely in the near future, NASA scientists estimate that thousands of large, undetected asteroids may still exist in our solar system. Some of them, more than a mile in diameter, have the potential to cause major destruction if they hit Earth.
NASA has tested early defense methods with a kinetic collider—a spacecraft designed to hit and change the course of an asteroid. In the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission carried out in September 2022, NASA sent the Hera spacecraft to hit the asteroid Dimorphos, which is 580 feet wide and orbits the asteroid Didymos. Although these two asteroids do not threaten Earth, the experiment succeeded in slowing Dimorphos’ orbit by 30 minutes, marking NASA’s first success in changing an asteroid’s trajectory.
However, this approach is not without challenges. Experts warn that a violent impact could break up a celestial object and send it on an unpredictable path, posing more risks. To ward off a larger asteroid, with a diameter of about 2,000 feet (609 meters), it would take nearly 100 rockets launched simultaneously, while for an even larger asteroid, more than 1,000 spacecraft would be needed to prevent a disaster. (**)
source: Beritasatu.com
Editor: Ali Wafa
NASA and the Asteroid Apocalypse: An Observational Commentary
Suarajatimpost.com reports that NASA is channeling its inner superhero to tackle a looming asteroid threat. Yes, folks, you heard it right! The US Space Agency is tightening its space belts and working overtime to figure out how to stop those celestial “rock stars” from crashing our planet’s party!
Now, hang on a sec. Before you start envisioning Bruce Willis strapping on a space suit, we must clarify that there’s no immediate asteroid threat. That’s right: we’re not on the verge of an apocalypse—yet! But let’s be real, that doesn’t mean we should only sit around and munch popcorn while waiting for Armageddon. No, NASA’s gearing up for the worst so that when the asteroid drama does kick in, it isn’t a tragedy on a cosmic scale.
In 2023, NASA unfurled its ambitious National Preparedness Strategy and Action Plan for Near Earth Objects and Hazards. Honestly, the name itself sounds like a title ripped from a poorly-written sci-fi novel. This plan highlights two main approaches: first, they propose to send a spacecraft to actually divert the asteroid from its path—a bit like a cosmic game of dodgeball. If that doesn’t work, they’re ready to whip out the big guns: nuclear explosions. Yes, because nothing screams “overreaction” like solving our problems with a nuclear bomb! Go big or go home, right?
Sure, large asteroid strikes are on the “just a little bit unlikely” list for the near future. But let’s not kid ourselves; NASA estimates that thousands of these hefty celestial chunks are floating around unmonitored. Some of them are so big that if one of them took a nosedive onto Earth, it would be the kind of global destruction no amount of post-apocalyptic survival gear could prepare you for.
On a related note, NASA has already dipped its toes into early defense measures with a rather cool gadget—a kinetic collider. Sounds like something from a sci-fi flick, doesn’t it? In September 2022, they sent the Hera spacecraft on a mission to gently nudge the asteroid Dimorphos. I mean, who knew celestial beings needed a little push? While this asteroid isn’t exactly eyeing Earth as its next destination, the plan was successful— Dimorphos wound up orbiting 30 minutes slower. Not too shabby for a first attempt, right?
But as always, there’s a catch! If they crash into this celestial rock using brute force, who knows where the pieces will end up. It’s kind of similar to that time you got a little too boisterous at a wedding and ended up knocking someone’s drink all over your ex. Oops! To put it plainly, asteroid mismanagement could create a stellar game of cosmic pinball with us stuck as the ball!
And let’s not forget about the big boys in the asteroid playground. To tackle an asteroid that’s about 2,000 feet wide, NASA would need roughly 100 rockets all launching at the same time. Because let’s face it, nothing says ‘I’m prepared’ like launching a mini fleet into space. And for larger asteroids? Oh, you guessed it! Get ready for 1,000 spacecraft to simultaneously take action. Talk about a crowded sky!
In conclusion, while the chances of a catastrophic asteroid strike might feel like a distant plot twist, NASA isn’t about to take any chances. They’ve rolled out their strategies, armed with scientific prowess and a touch of dramatic flair. So, sit tight, keep watching the skies, and let’s hope our next cosmic encounter involves fewer meteors and more fireworks!
Who’s up for an asteroid-nudging party, eh?
Editor: Ali Wafa
