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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asteroid_impact_avoidance https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asteroid_impact_avoidance Shoot it with an ICBM. Better to be hit with b
by shiftpgdn 11y ago
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asteroid_impact_avoidance https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asteroid_impact_avoidance
Shoot it with an ICBM. Better to be hit with buckshot than with a slug.
- CapitalistCartr 11y agoICBMs reach a velocity of about 5 km/sec., aren't reprogrammable in minutes to shoot at spsce rocks, and US ones at least carry weapons of less than 500 kt. This isn't going to do it. If we want to use nukes, which is questionable, the devices need to already be in high orbit to respond fast enough, have a radar guidance system, and be much more powerful. This is also a recipe to trigger WW 3.
- shiftpgdn 11y agoI'm not suggesting it as a "minutes to go" safety measure. More of a "we have tons of rockets with nukes on them that can make it into space" just sitting around measure.
- retbull 11y agoMaking it to space isn't enough. They have to be able to escape completely and deliver a very large warhead to the asteroid.