Abstract
The collision with Earth of near-Earth asteroids or comet nuclei poses a potential threat to mankind. Objects about 100 m in diameter could be diverted from an Earth-crossing trajectory by the impact of a rocket-launched mass, but for larger bodies nuclear explosions seem to be the only practical means of deflection. Fragmentation of the body by nuclear charges is less efficient or secure.
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Ahrens, T., Harris, A. Deflection and fragmentation of near-Earth asteroids. Nature 360, 429–433 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1038/360429a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/360429a0
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