Chinese researchers suggest nuclear blast to deflect catastrophic Earth-bound asteroid

Researchers affiliated with the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology have published a paper outlining a nuclear-based strategy to stop a potentially catastrophic asteroid. Their approach involves drilling a cavity hundreds of meters deep into the asteroid and placing a nuclear device that, when detonated, would either break the rock apart or impart enough momentum to miss Earth. Computer models showed that a 300-kiloton explosion could destroy a 164-foot asteroid, whereas a 3-megaton blast might neutralize an object close to 1,000 meters in diameter.

The depth of the charge proved critical, with a 100-meter placement tripling the velocity change compared with shallower detonations. The authors note that the method hinges on early warning and the development of a launch vehicle capable of delivering both drilling equipment and a nuclear payload to deep space. They claim the concept holds strategic importance for enhancing humanity’s ability to counter asteroid impact threats.