Scientists will use nuclear weapons in space - study

Scientists have simulated the use of nuclear weapons against a 160-meter asteroid. The results showed that a nuclear explosion near an asteroid could effectively destroy it or alter its trajectory, contrary to common perceptions of a nuclear "Armageddon." The study is based on three-dimensional models using data from the asteroid Bennu and meteorites.

Scientists have simulated the use of nuclear weapons against a 160-meter asteroid capable of destroying an entire city. The results showed that such a scenario could be effective, contrary to common perceptions of a nuclear "Armageddon." Placing explosives inside the asteroid or on its surface is practically unfeasible due to the object's chaotic motion. In a vacuum, the main effect comes from X-rays, which heat the surface, causing material evaporation and trajectory changes. Scientists tested the scenario using three-dimensional computer models, based on the shape and structure of the asteroid Bennu, as well as data on the strength of the Chelyabinsk meteorite and the Aba-Pan meteorite. In one model, the nuclear charge was detonated 10 meters from the asteroid's surface. Within 145 milliseconds, 98.2% of its mass was destroyed, and nearly 97% of the material gained enough velocity to overcome its own gravity. In another scenario, the charge was placed at a distance of 25 meters—within 68 milliseconds, destruction affected 92.6% of the object. However, the further fate of the debris remains unknown: it could have scattered, remained in dangerous sizes, or recombined under gravity.