Asteroid Defense

Scientists seek ways to ward off killer asteroids

Greg Schnippel — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:18:41 -0800

A blue-ribbon panel of scientists is trying to determine the best way to detect and ward off any wandering space rocks that might be on a collision course with Earth.

'Gravity tractor' could deflect asteroids

Greg Schnippel — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 21:26:28 -0700

A "gravity tractor" could deflect an Earth-threatening asteroid if it was deployed when the asteroid was more than one orbit away from the potential impact, according to a new study. If the space rock was found heading straight for Earth, a combination of techniques – including a gravity tractor – might save the day.

The study, carried out by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, shows that the weak gravitational pull of a nearby spacecraft could deflect a hypothetical asteroid 140 metres across, big enough to cause regional devastation if it hit Earth.

US Unprepared for an Asteroid Strike, Scientists Say

Greg Schnippel — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:00:45 -0700

A group of scientists, joined by a member of Congress, used the 100th anniversary of the Tunguska asteroid event this week to draw attention to their belief that the United States is not doing enough to defend the planet against the dangers posed by near-Earth objects.

"We are not prepared at this time to prevent the massive death and destruction that would occur if an object from space hit the Earth as it did in Tunguska," Representative Dana Rohrabacher, a California Republican, said at a news conference at the Pasadena, Calif., offices of the Planetary Society.

NASA Authorization Bill Mandates Plan for Asteroid Warning and Deflection

Greg Schnippel — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 19:35:02 -0700

A Canadian Gadget that May Save the World

Greg Schnippel — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 19:35:02 -0700

Black holes could bump asteroids our way

Greg Schnippel — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 19:34:59 -0700

Possible Mars impact highlights risk to Earth

Greg Schnippel — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 19:34:57 -0700

NASA to find most Earth-threatening asteroids by end of 2008

Greg Schnippel — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 19:34:58 -0700

Small Asteroids Pose Big New Threat

Greg Schnippel — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 19:34:58 -0700

The sky is falling, really

Greg Schnippel — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 19:29:45 -0700