Imagine a scenario where lasers, powered by the sun, stand as Earth’s guardians against menacing asteroids hurtling towards our planet. This captivating concept, brought to light by academics from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, unveils a plan for solar-powered space defenses that could potentially vaporize asteroids before they pose a danger.
The proposed system, known as Directed Energy Solar Targeting of Asteroids an exploRation (DE-STAR), envisions a future where asteroids as colossal as the recent near-miss with Earth could be obliterated within 60 minutes. Even more astonishing is the claim that asteroids ten times larger could meet their demise within a year, with the process commencing from distances as vast as the Sun itself.
DE-STAR, described as a ‘directed energy orbital defense system,’ harnesses the boundless energy of the Sun to create a formidable array of laser beams capable of targeting and neutralizing incoming threats. This innovative approach, though sounding like science fiction, is firmly rooted in present-day technology according to Gary Hughes, a professor at Cal Poly involved in the research. The components required for this system already exist; the challenge lies in scaling them up to meet the demands of such a monumental task.
Beyond its primary purpose of safeguarding Earth from catastrophic asteroid impacts, DE-STAR holds promise for diverse applications. The researchers suggest that this system could potentially serve as a propulsion mechanism for spacecraft, showcasing its versatility and potential for future exploration.
As we ponder the vastness of space and the perils it may hold, the prospect of sun-powered lasers emerging as Earth’s shield against cosmic threats offers a glimmer of optimism amidst the darkness. With innovation and determination driving scientific progress, humanity stands poised to confront challenges that once seemed insurmountable. Let us gaze towards the heavens with hope and anticipation for a future where science and ingenuity unite to safeguard our planet and propel us towards new frontiers.
Many will see this as a waste of money but there is plenty of evidence from the past that we will likely face another extinction level asteroid threat. We should do what we can to increase our planet’s asteroid-protection.
