NASA unveils plan to defend Earth from asteroids with spacecraft army

economictimes.indiatimes.com October 14, 2024, 09:00 AM UTC

Summary: NASA has introduced a new plan to protect Earth from dangerous asteroids. This strategy includes deploying a "1,000-strong army" of spacecraft to intercept or deflect these threats. In urgent situations, NASA may consider using nuclear devices.

The plan follows the successful DART mission, which demonstrated the ability to change an asteroid's path. NASA aims to prepare for potential asteroid impacts, inspired by the catastrophic Chicxulub event that led to the extinction of dinosaurs.

While there is no immediate threat, NASA's strategy emphasizes readiness for worst-case scenarios. The agency's approach combines kinetic impactors and nuclear options to address large asteroids detected with little time for response.

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Timeline:

  1. [5.0]
    NASA launches new plan to protect Earth from asteroid threats (timesnownews.com)
    1d 16h

  2. [5.2]
    NASA outlines strategy to defend Earth from dangerous asteroids (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
    1d 20h

  3. [5.2]
    NASA reveals plan to deflect potential asteroid threats over next century (hindustantimes.com)
    2d 0h

  4. [4.8]
    NASA develops strategies to protect Earth from asteroid threats (marca.com)
    3d 7h
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  5. [4.0]
    NASA plans to protect Earth from asteroids with 1,000 spacecraft or nuclear options (thesun.co.uk)
    3d 12h
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  6. [3.9]
    NASA plans to protect Earth from asteroids with spacecraft and nuclear options (thesun.co.uk)
    3d 13h
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  7. [4.0]
    NASA plans to protect Earth from asteroids with 1,000 spacecraft or nuclear options (thesun.ie)
    3d 15h
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