Mode-locked Lasers Applied to Deflecting a Near Earth Object on Collision Course with Earth

TL;DR

This paper proposes using synchronized mode-locked laser pulse trains to deflect near-Earth objects, potentially preventing collisions with Earth by imparting sufficient momentum within months.

Contribution

It introduces a scalable laser-based method for asteroid deflection using sub-picosecond pulse trains, improving on continuous laser systems.

Findings

Feasible deflection of a 10,000 MT asteroid within months

Uses average laser power in the ten kilowatt range

Scalable approach for larger NEOs

Abstract

We consider synchronized trains of sub-picosecond pulses generated by mode-locked lasers applied to deflection of near Earth objects (NEO) on collision course with Earth. Our method is designed to avoid a predicted collision of the NEO with Earth by at least the diameter of Earth. We estimate deflecting a 10,000 MT NEO, such as the asteroid which struck Earth near Chelyabinsk, Russia to be feasible within several months using average power in the ten kilowatt range. We see this deflection method as scalable to larger NEO to a degree not possible using continuous laser systems.