Using Gravity To Tow Asteroids

cryptocom writes "Space.com is reporting that two scientists at NASA are proposing using a 20-ton spacecraft to pull asteroids off a possible collision course with Earth, using the spacecraft's own gravity as an attractor. This idea would not only be cheaper, but have a much higher chance of success, due to not having to actually land on the asteroid's surface."

Comments

Re:The mother of all asteroid deflection devices

[Gulthek]

Maybe to stop a huge asteroid from impacting on the Earth's surface the cost would be quite reasonable.

I.e. I don't think that world leaders would look at the figures and go "Hrmmmmm...when you say extinct...how extinct?"

Re:The mother of all asteroid deflection devices

[AnonymousKev]

> I.e. I don't think that world leaders would look at the figures and go "Hrmmmmm...when you say extinct...how extinct?"

You've obviously never been in a scheduling meeting with management.

Why not move the earth?

[HermanAB]

Never mind moving the objects, just move the earth out of the way. Just mount an engine on the north and south poles. No need for any space travel. This can be done at ground level. A pair of coal fired steam jets should do it.