SPACE REPORTS:
Discussion of Intercepting Asteroids and Comets Hurdling Towards Earth
By: THE LAST COLUMNIST
I recently heard another report that the Russians want to launch a spaceship to deflect an Earth bound Asteroid discovered in 2004 by Russia's Space Agency. They believe it is on a collision course with Earth. The Asteroid, named Apophis and estimated to be 900 feet across, has a small chance of crossing Earth's orbit by the year 2036 based on U.S. research conducted by NASA. Deflection is a good idea in scientific theory if necessary, but it has to be executed perfectly with military action. Interception and destruction is a better idea, with thought given to Human Population if there is a catastrophic launch failure within the Earth's atmosphere while carrying a nuclear payload possibly measured in megatons.
The first argument about intercepting an Asteroid is whether to use a conventional or nuclear method. I think it would be best to launch a nuclear armed missile from Earth into Space or from the International Space Station after assembling the warheads. Can you safely transport inert materials to the Space Station, assemble the warheads there, and launch from the Station? Launching from the Space Station is the best idea. The next question is what to launch as a response to an Asteroid or Comet. Is it the Grandaddy of Them All; will it split the Earth in half, or will it make a big splash in the Pacific Ocean if we can't destroy it in Space?
There is only one way to respond and that is with an overkill. You must send at least 10 warheads for the initial demolition and be prepared to detonate up to 20 more warheads in the event of failure or large debris sent in a new trajectory. The order of detonation for the initial ten would be one warhead aimed dead center with 4 detonating simultaneously on the corners just in front. Followed 2 seconds later by 5 more detonations spread out like a Shotgun blast. The secondary blast should push initial impact debris away from a crossover trajectory- Forward momentum carrying the debris over the initial blast and continuing on its path towards Earth.
The risk to Human life on Earth is too great not to attempt an all out assault on an Asteroid or Comet 'insurrection'. The Nation's of the World have to co-operate and use all available resources to intercept Cosmic objects moving in a trajectory towards our planet. Nuclear weapons are the best solution. The United States should always lead the way in this field. Start with drawing up a new treaty for better co-operation in scientific research and military applications.
Before an International Space War can be fought against incoming Asteroids they must first be found by researching Outer Space. When it comes to research, all Countries have to work together to fight this cosmic problem since the arrival of an unwanted large asteroid would cause a chain of devastating Geopolitical Events. They can all be stopped in outer space if the United States works with Russia and other Countries to properly scan the entire sky. Currently only a small portion of Space has been surveyed for objects that might be moving on a collision course with Earth. This problem is one of the most imminent threats to Human life. You can't predict loss of life from a war if two Countries insist they have to fight. Incoming Asteroids come with a guarantee to cause massive loss of life if a defense plan isn't put into place. Many World Governments and self prophesying 'intellectuals' view an incoming Asteroid as an effective way to eliminate what THEY deem as 'undesirable' segments of Human population. I hope one lands on their next Mutual Admiration Society Conference. Research does require the scientific co-operation of multiple Countries, which is a fundamental problem. These Countries are usually fighting Proxy Wars against each other in places like Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan and the Korean Peninsula. So have fun organizing that nightmare opening roundtable discussion. It will take 5 years to decide where to put the table.
Or don't do anything about an Asteroid. Maybe there is nothing to worry about since some people say the Russians just want somebody to send them money. NASA says no chance of a collision. But what about Asteroids that haven't been discovered yet? You figure out the significance or importance. I am writing this as an exchange of information and thought. As usual I leave the technicalities to physicists and engineers. Something to think about Ladies and Gentlemen, or not.
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