NASA told Congress in 2007 that we can nuke asteroids before they get too close. [0] In the impulsive category, the use of a nuclear device was found to be the

NASA told Congress in 2007 that we can nuke asteroids before they get too close. [0] In the impulsive category, the use of a nuclear device was found to be the most effective means to deflect a PHO [Potentially Hazardous Object]. Because of the large amount of energy delivered, nuclear devices would require the least amount of detailed information about the threatening object, reducing the need for detailed characterization. While detonation of a nuclear device on or below the surface of a threatening object was found to be 10-100 times more efficient than detonating a nuclear device above the surface, the standoff detonation would be less likely to fragment the target. A nuclear standoff mission could be designed knowing only the orbit and approximate mass of the threat, and missions could be carried out incrementally to reach the required amount of deflection. [0]https://www.nasa.gov/pdf/171331main_NEO_report_march07.pdf https://www.nasa.gov/pdf/171331main_NEO_report_march07.pdf