[TML] Asteroid Deflection

[Jerry W Barrington]

On 7/16/08 1:45 AM, "shadow at shadowgard.com" <shadow at shadowgard.com> wrote:

> On 15 Jul 2008 at 7:36, alan spik wrote:
> 
>> Maybe a tug could just push/pull it into a new orbit? Save all the
>> destruction and scattering of debris.
> 
> The problem is that it is likely to be spinning and the energy tied
> up in that spin could be on a par with a small nuke. Towing a
> spinning object is a real nightmare.
> 
> For that matter, hooking up to tow it is a major project.
> 
> Mucgh simpler to use bombs or big energy weapons to vaporize
> strategfic bits and induce a course change from the reaction.
> 
> Or yyoiu can mount a mass driver on it and fling bits off in harmless
> directions. But that may cost more and take longer.

I assume this is about non-near-c...

If you have a *lot* of time, park a heavy ship next to it with constant,
low-level thrust to counteract the asteroid's gravity.  The asteroid is
gravitationally attracted to the ship, changing it's course.  Yes, it's
slow, because it's limited to the rock's gravity, but over months or years
it doesn't have to be a huge effect.

(For those who may complain the rocket thrust is pushing on the rock, use 2
or 3 rockets in bipod/tripod configuration so they aren't thrusting directly
on the rock...)