Nuclear Solutions Explored for Deflecting Threatening Asteroids

WHO:

Fox News - Researchers from the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, and China Academy of Engineering Physics.

Gizmodo - Wang Xiaowei, lead researcher from the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology.

WHAT:

Fox News - A study suggests that a nuclear explosion could be the best way to stop an asteroid threatening Earth.

Fox News - The study focuses on asteroids that are 328 feet or greater in diameter.

Gizmodo - The study proposes two defense modes for planetary defense against asteroids.

Gizmodo - The first mode is a direct-impact detonation method, while the second is a pre-excavation detonation method.

Gizmodo - The researchers concluded that both modes could destroy asteroids with a diameter below 100 meters and provide good defense effects against asteroids up to a kilometer in diameter.

WHERE:

Gizmodo - The research is conducted in China.

WHEN:

Gizmodo - The study was published in Space: Science & Technology.

WHY:

Fox News - The research aims to address the potential threat of asteroid impacts on Earth.

HOW:

Fox News - The direct rendezvous impact blasting mode involves launching a rocket with a nuclear device to impact the asteroid and create a crater for detonation.

Fox News - The companion flight deepening crater blasting mode involves launching a rocket into orbit, deploying a defense module to observe the asteroid, and then detonating a nuclear device inside a crater.

Gizmodo - The pre-excavation detonation method involves creating a deeper crater for a nuclear warhead to ensure effective detonation.

(UPDATED July 9, 2026 23:23 UTC)

Researchers from several Chinese institutions, including the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology and the Beijing Institute of Technology, have published a study suggesting that a nuclear explosion could be the most effective way to stop an asteroid threatening Earth. The study proposes two defense methods: a direct-impact detonation, which involves launching a rocket with a nuclear device to create a crater for detonation, and a pre-excavation method that aims to create a deeper crater for a more effective blast. Both methods are designed to effectively destroy asteroids that are 328 feet or larger, with the potential to provide good defense against those up to a kilometer in diameter.