Study Suggests Nuclear Weapons Could Be Used to Protect Earth
According to Chinese researchers, nuclear weapons represent humanity's most promising option for preventing extinction from an asteroid impact. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Chinese researchers have called on governments to develop a warhead-based planetary defense system to safeguard against asteroids.
Nuclear weapons might serve as an effective means of shielding the Earth from asteroid impacts, according to scientists involved in China's deep space exploration program.
In a recent paper published in the Chinese journal SCIENTIA SINICA Technologica, the research team highlighted that, despite advancements in near-Earth object detection technologies, there can still be inaccuracies. This uncertainty suggests that humanity must be prepared to defend against space debris threats.
The study examined various defense strategies and their practicality for mitigating the risk of asteroids of differing sizes, densities, and warning times. The researchers found that for imminent threats—a scenario where an asteroid could impact within a week—nuclear warheads are the only viable option capable of altering an asteroid's trajectory to prevent a collision.
Based on their findings, the team recommended developing a global nuclear-based defense system to effectively counter potential asteroid threats.
The proposed system would include quick-launch capabilities, enabling the deployment of nuclear warheads from the ground to space within a timeframe of one week to one month. It should also comprise rockets with the precision to strike targets within a margin of error of less than 100 meters (328 feet). Additionally, the system should permit the orbital pre-deployment of nuclear warheads, allowing them to be on standby for extended periods exceeding ten years.
The researchers acknowledged that their proposal faces several significant challenges. Currently, no country possesses the capability to launch nuclear warheads into deep space, necessitating the development of new launch vehicles. Furthermore, China, like most other nuclear-armed nations, is a signatory of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty and the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, which prohibit the placement of weapons of mass destruction in space. Additionally, nuclear detonations would result in radioactive pollution, posing secondary risks to Earth and nearby celestial bodies.
The scientists concluded that while a nuclear explosion “has amazing performance for self-defense,” it would be prudent to investigate alternative technologies for asteroid deflection, such as high-power laser weapons. They emphasized that the threat from asteroids should not be underestimated, as “the potential risk of asteroid impacts is much higher than the assessment based on currently discovered asteroid data.”
Aarav Patel contributed to this report for TROIB News
Nuclear weapons might serve as an effective means of shielding the Earth from asteroid impacts, according to scientists involved in China's deep space exploration program.
In a recent paper published in the Chinese journal SCIENTIA SINICA Technologica, the research team highlighted that, despite advancements in near-Earth object detection technologies, there can still be inaccuracies. This uncertainty suggests that humanity must be prepared to defend against space debris threats.
The study examined various defense strategies and their practicality for mitigating the risk of asteroids of differing sizes, densities, and warning times. The researchers found that for imminent threats—a scenario where an asteroid could impact within a week—nuclear warheads are the only viable option capable of altering an asteroid's trajectory to prevent a collision.
Based on their findings, the team recommended developing a global nuclear-based defense system to effectively counter potential asteroid threats.
The proposed system would include quick-launch capabilities, enabling the deployment of nuclear warheads from the ground to space within a timeframe of one week to one month. It should also comprise rockets with the precision to strike targets within a margin of error of less than 100 meters (328 feet). Additionally, the system should permit the orbital pre-deployment of nuclear warheads, allowing them to be on standby for extended periods exceeding ten years.
The researchers acknowledged that their proposal faces several significant challenges. Currently, no country possesses the capability to launch nuclear warheads into deep space, necessitating the development of new launch vehicles. Furthermore, China, like most other nuclear-armed nations, is a signatory of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty and the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, which prohibit the placement of weapons of mass destruction in space. Additionally, nuclear detonations would result in radioactive pollution, posing secondary risks to Earth and nearby celestial bodies.
The scientists concluded that while a nuclear explosion “has amazing performance for self-defense,” it would be prudent to investigate alternative technologies for asteroid deflection, such as high-power laser weapons. They emphasized that the threat from asteroids should not be underestimated, as “the potential risk of asteroid impacts is much higher than the assessment based on currently discovered asteroid data.”
Aarav Patel contributed to this report for TROIB News
