Can Jet Engines Save Earth from a Collision with an Asteroid?

Thread starter Tee1977
Start date Jun 30, 2016
Tags

Earth Planet

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of using jet engines on Earth to move the planet out of orbit in the event of a collision with a large asteroid. However, it is concluded that this would not be possible due to the Earth's mass and the limitations of current technology. The conversation also touches on the potential lack of action from governments in the face of such a threat.

Jul 18, 2016

Noisy Rhysling

newjerseyrunner said:

The nuclear deflection concept doesn't produce chunks, it produces vapor. The bomb itself doesn't actually push the asteroid much, but it vaporizes the surface on one side, which acts like a rocket.

If it works as predicted...

<h2>1. Can jet engines be used to alter the trajectory of an asteroid?</h2><p>Yes, jet engines can be used to alter the trajectory of an asteroid. This is known as the kinetic impactor method, where a spacecraft equipped with jet engines collides with the asteroid, changing its speed and direction.</p><h2>2. How effective are jet engines in preventing an asteroid collision?</h2><p>The effectiveness of jet engines in preventing an asteroid collision depends on several factors, such as the size and composition of the asteroid, the distance from Earth, and the timing of the intervention. In some cases, jet engines may be enough to divert an asteroid, while in others, additional methods may be necessary.</p><h2>3. What are the risks associated with using jet engines to save Earth from an asteroid collision?</h2><p>There are several risks associated with using jet engines to save Earth from an asteroid collision. These include the potential for the asteroid to break apart into smaller, more dangerous pieces, the possibility of the spacecraft missing its target and causing more harm, and the potential for the jet engines to fail or malfunction.</p><h2>4. How far in advance would jet engines need to be deployed to prevent an asteroid collision?</h2><p>The timing of deploying jet engines to prevent an asteroid collision would depend on several factors, including the size and speed of the asteroid, the distance from Earth, and the type of jet engines being used. In general, the earlier the intervention, the better chance of success.</p><h2>5. Are jet engines the only method for preventing an asteroid collision?</h2><p>No, jet engines are not the only method for preventing an asteroid collision. Other methods include using gravitational tractor or gravity tug spacecraft, nuclear explosions, and solar sails. The method chosen would depend on the specific characteristics of the asteroid and the time available for intervention.</p>

Related to Can Jet Engines Save Earth from a Collision with an Asteroid?

1. Can jet engines be used to alter the trajectory of an asteroid?

Yes, jet engines can be used to alter the trajectory of an asteroid. This is known as the kinetic impactor method, where a spacecraft equipped with jet engines collides with the asteroid, changing its speed and direction.

2. How effective are jet engines in preventing an asteroid collision?

The effectiveness of jet engines in preventing an asteroid collision depends on several factors, such as the size and composition of the asteroid, the distance from Earth, and the timing of the intervention. In some cases, jet engines may be enough to divert an asteroid, while in others, additional methods may be necessary.

3. What are the risks associated with using jet engines to save Earth from an asteroid collision?

There are several risks associated with using jet engines to save Earth from an asteroid collision. These include the potential for the asteroid to break apart into smaller, more dangerous pieces, the possibility of the spacecraft missing its target and causing more harm, and the potential for the jet engines to fail or malfunction.

4. How far in advance would jet engines need to be deployed to prevent an asteroid collision?

The timing of deploying jet engines to prevent an asteroid collision would depend on several factors, including the size and speed of the asteroid, the distance from Earth, and the type of jet engines being used. In general, the earlier the intervention, the better chance of success.

5. Are jet engines the only method for preventing an asteroid collision?

No, jet engines are not the only method for preventing an asteroid collision. Other methods include using gravitational tractor or gravity tug spacecraft, nuclear explosions, and solar sails. The method chosen would depend on the specific characteristics of the asteroid and the time available for intervention.