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Laser interceptors will protect the Earth from asteroids

02.04.2012

Engineers at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow are developing innovative laser technology designed to combat the asteroid threat. Researchers have discovered the possibility of using a group of relatively small satellites armed with lasers to deflect asteroids whose trajectory intersects with the Earth. A link of laser interceptors solves the problem of powerful impact on a small or medium-sized asteroid without the use of a huge spacecraft.

Scientists propose sending a small satellite to the asteroid with a high-energy laser powered by solar panels. Depending on the speed and size of the asteroid, one to dozens of satellites can be used, which makes the anti-asteroid defense system quite flexible. So far, the development of powerful space lasers is in its infancy. The military has accumulated the greatest experience here, although so far powerful high-energy lasers have not been used as space weapons.

For a long time it was believed that it was impossible to effectively change the trajectory of an asteroid using a laser beam. Yes, at first a powerful beam heats up the surface of the asteroid, resulting in a gas and dust plume that creates jet thrust. However, this plume should scatter the beam and reduce its effectiveness. However, laboratory tests at the University of Strathclyde have shown that the interference from the gas and dust plume is less than expected, and the laser is able to continue working for a long time.

Small laser interceptors are much easier and faster to manufacture than one huge ship with a multi-megawatt laser. At the same time, the use of a fleet of satellites equipped with high-energy lasers is a more reliable solution. Even if one or more satellites fail, the rest will continue to work, and the size of the constellation can be quickly restored.

Another equally important application of laser interceptors can be the cleaning of near-Earth orbit from debris, the amount of which is constantly growing. Today there is so much debris in orbit that for the foreseeable future we may encounter the Kessler effect, when the density of pollution in space becomes so high that collisions between debris exponentially increase the amount of debris and new collisions. As a result, this may close the way to space for mankind for many years. Today, despite the continuous monitoring of large debris, there is no technology to destroy them. Laser interceptors could take over this function.

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