Why can't we blow up an NEO on collision course

[Kccv23highliftcam]

You need to consider what the asteroids are made of.

In the main, iron.

[kowalski655]

And only discovered 5 days ago! No time to do anything

[havoc]

Kccv23highliftcam said:

You need to consider what the asteroids are made of.

In the main, iron.

So we need to launch the world's largest electromagnet?!?

[4x4Tyke]

Ballistic missiles are exactly that, they are not space craft. Look how much energy and engineering was required to reach the moon, something large at a well defined position, relatively near and slow moving at these scales.

NASA have a large programme looking into this, the UK also heads up space guard an international effort.

[4x4Tyke]

fatbutt said:

Just a thought: Imagine an alien race trying to find out if other planets had intelligent life and are therefore a threat. Hurl asteroids into the solar system and see how the locals react. All life tries to preserve itself so if you see an asteroid disappear, change direction, etc. its likely there is intelligent life in there somewhere. Cheap, simple and easy to detect a bazillion miles away.

There are easier and cheaper ways, like pointing a radio telescope at the candidates.

[Tango13]

Read this...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Project-Orion-Spaceship-1...

Scientists were well ahead of the game back in the 1950's

[MartG]

Article in the Telegraph on the subject

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2018/03/15/nas...