Save the Earth with laser satellites?

Scientists at Strathclyde University (Scotland) are developing laser-based satellites that can destroy meteorites flying near Earth.

>>>The "battle" plan for anti-"meteorite" meteorite

Most studies of "meteor shields" for Earth often focus on developing giant satellites that can carry many weapons to destroy meteorites. However, according to Strathclyde University scientists, small satellites can also destroy large meteorites.

Meteors can be destroyed by lasers mounted on satellites

Dr. Massimiliano Vasile and his colleagues at Strathclyde University are developing small satellites, capable of flying around meteorites in a certain formation and firing lasers with high energy and near distances to destroy the celestial jelly.

One of the drawbacks of this method is that it is very difficult to produce high-energy lasers at the same time. In addition, when lasers begin to bombard the surface of meteorites, gas streams and asteroid fragments can react to satellites and damage the laser system.

However, according to scientists, these obstacles can be overcome.'Our tests have demonstrated lower levels of damage than expected and the laser system can continue to bombard meteorites for a long time , ' said Dr. Vasile on the Daily Mail.

Compared to the use of large satellites, the advantage of this method is that it can be flexibly operated. Specifically, if a satellite is damaged, other satellites can continue to bombard the meteorite.

Currently, Dr. Vasile and his colleagues are also studying the idea of ​​using the same system to destroy cosmic trash that is growing more and more on Earth's orbit.'Although we were able to track debris in Earth orbit, there were no systems to remove them. Therefore, our research can be a viable solution , "Dr. Vasile believes.