NOVOSIBIRSK, August 5. /TASS/. The method of destroying an asteroid heading toward Earth with a nuclear bomb, which is being considered by Chinese scientists, carries risks of altering the celestial body’s trajectory toward the planet or creating large fragments after the explosion.
However, if properly carried out, the method should ensure that no danger arises, Mikhail Maslov, a leading engineer at the Vega Observatory of Novosibirsk State University (NSU), told TASS.
Earlier, the South China Morning Post reported that Chinese scientists were studying a method of destroying asteroids threatening Earth using nuclear weapons placed deep inside the celestial body.
The method involves first creating a deep hole on the surface of the celestial body using an unmanned spacecraft. A second spacecraft would then place a nuclear bomb into the cavity.
"Theoretically, the following types of risks are possible: an unsuccessful explosion or another maneuver could redirect the asteroid onto a collision course with Earth, or if large fragments remain after the explosion, they could still collide with Earth and cause serious consequences. If everything is properly and correctly implemented, there should be no danger," the expert said.
