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This method shifts the paradigm from nudging or exploding asteroids to physically breaking them apart before they reach Earth. If timed correctly—ideally at least a day before impact—these penetrators can cause the asteroid to disintegrate into harmless debris, dispersing the fragments over a vast area, effectively preventing catastrophic damage.
The Timing and Distance of Intervention
Effective asteroid deflection hinges on detection and timely action. The ideal window is when the asteroid is still millions of kilometers away, allowing enough travel time for a mission to reach and deploy penetrators. Given current rocket technology, reaching such distances can be accomplished in about a week, making a two-week notice sufficient for small-to-moderate threats.