Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
NASA has unveiled its strategy to counter potential asteroid threats in its National Preparedness Strategy and Action Plan for Near-Earth Objects (NEOs). The plan outlines approaches to defend Earth from large asteroids, similar to the one that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs 66 million years ago.
The strategy proposes various solutions for asteroid deflection. One approach involves deploying a large fleet of spacecraft—potentially a “1,000-strong army”—to intercept and alter the path of an asteroid on a collision course with Earth.
For more extreme cases, NASA is considering the use of nuclear explosives as a last-resort measure. This option would involve detonating a device near the asteroid to either deflect or fragment it, reducing the risk of a direct impact on Earth.
In 2022, NASA successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of kinetic impactors with the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART). This mission altered the trajectory of a non-threatening asteroid, showcasing one of the methods NASA may employ in future planetary defense efforts.
If an asteroid is detected with only months before impact, NASA may turn to nuclear explosives as a contingency. This approach could deflect or break up the asteroid, potentially averting a global catastrophe.
NASA acknowledges the severe consequences of a “planet killer” asteroid hitting Earth. A large impact could result in intense heat, vaporization of surface materials, and the formation of dust clouds that would block sunlight, leading to an “impact winter.”
The Chicxulub impact, which caused the extinction of the dinosaurs, serves as a reminder of the destructive power of large asteroids. NASA’s plan aims to prevent similar future events by preparing in advance with technology and potential responses.
While there is currently no known asteroid on a collision course with Earth, NASA’s preparations are designed to address worst-case scenarios, ensuring readiness to respond if a threat arises in the future.