Inside a bold plan to pulverize an Earth-bound asteroid

image via New Scientist

April 1, 2026, 10:00 AM

• •The "Pulverize It" program aims to pulverize asteroids into small fragments to prevent them from colliding with Earth.
• •The team plans to use rockets and projectiles, including potentially nuclear explosives, to break apart asteroids.
• •Simulations are being used to determine the optimal size of asteroid fragments to minimize risk to Earth.
• •The project seeks to move from reactive to proactive planetary defense strategies.

Scientists at the University of California, Santa Barbara, propose a planetary defense system called "Pulverize It" to destroy potentially hazardous asteroids by smashing them into small pieces. The plan involves using rockets and projectiles to break apart asteroids, ideally into fragments that will burn up in Earth's atmosphere. Simulations are being conducted to determine the optimal size of the fragments and to assess potential risks, such as acoustic shockwaves and radiation, to ensure the safety of the planet. The project aims to create a perpetually ready system for planetary defense, moving beyond reactive strategies and advocating for proactive measures to protect Earth from space threats.

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