While North Korea uses long-range missiles to get its satellites into orbit, Russia is inventing entirely new uses for its ICBMs. According to recently released data, the State Rocket Center plans to turn them into an asteroid shield.
Scientists around the world believe this plan is feasible. Moreover, using missiles in this way really makes sense - both economically and functionally.
Small asteroids, up to thirty meters in diameter, are difficult to detect - but they can be prevented from colliding with the Earth. For example, the Chelyabinsk meteorite was only twenty-five meters in diameter, but it was able to damage several dozen buildings and injured a significant number of people.
So you will have to work very quickly to neutralize such threats. Most conventional rockets run on liquid fuel and take too long to prepare. ICBMs, on the other hand, are ready for immediate launch. These missiles have been specially designed to fire instantly.
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And these are not just plans. Apparently, Russia is going to test its new tactics in early 2036, when the asteroid Apophis passes dangerously close to Earth.
Of course, at the moment, such use of ICBMs is simply impossible. A deep modernization of outdated equipment will be required - and this is not to mention the effect such a project will have on international relations.
In addition, the implementation of the project will require an infusion of millions of dollars. Apparently, it is the financial issue that can stall the whole undertaking.
Now the idea remains at the level of theory. However, the international scientific community has already put forward the assumption that our planet, sooner or later, will need protection from asteroids. The Russian project is far from the worst solution.