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Chinese Researchers Propose Nuclear Blast to Defend Against Asteroids

7/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

Chinese scientists led by Wang Xiaowei of the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology proposed a nuclear explosion to neutralize asteroids 100 meters wide.
They outlined a direct-impact mode that strikes with a warhead and a companion-flight mode that orbits and detonates at lower speed for stronger coupling.
Modeling shows both modes can destroy sub-100-meter asteroids and defend against objects up to a kilometer, with researchers favoring pre-excavation detonation as best.

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Story summary

Chinese scientists led by Wang Xiaowei of the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology proposed a nuclear explosion to neutralize asteroids 100 meters wide.
They outlined a direct-impact mode that strikes with a warhead and a companion-flight mode that orbits and detonates at lower speed for stronger coupling.
Modeling shows both modes can destroy sub-100-meter asteroids and defend against objects up to a kilometer, with researchers favoring pre-excavation detonation as best.