Could We Stop It in Time?
Unlike the dinosaurs, we now have technology that gives us a fighting chance. In 2022, NASA’s DART mission successfully changed the path of a small asteroid, proving that deflection is possible. This approach, called a kinetic impactor, involves slamming a spacecraft into the asteroid to push it off course.
Unfortunately, for a rock as large as Chicxulub, one impactor would not be enough. Multiple spacecraft would be required, and even then, the chances of success would be slim.
Other proposed strategies include:
Gravity tractors: A spacecraft uses its own gravitational pull to slowly move the asteroid. This method only works on much smaller objects.
Ion propulsion: A spacecraft could fire charged particles at the asteroid to gradually alter its path. Again, not strong enough for something this size.
Laser ablation: Powerful lasers could vaporize part of the asteroid’s surface, creating thrust from gas plumes. This idea has promise but requires a huge investment in technology.
Nuclear deflection: If we detect the asteroid early enough, a nuclear explosion near the object might vaporize almost all of its mass. This method is dangerous and unpredictable but could be our last resort.
