Advancements in Nuclear Deflection Simulations Bolster Planetary Defense against Asteroid Threats
Scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have developed a modeling tool to assess the potential use of a nuclear device for defending against catastrophic asteroid impacts. The tool simulates the energy deposition from a nuclear device on an asteroid's surface, improving our understanding of radiation interactions and shockwave dynamics. This model builds upon insights from NASA's recent Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission and explores nuclear deflection as an alternative to kinetic impact missions. Accurate predictions rely on sophisticated multiphysics simulations, and high-fidelity modeling will be critical in providing decision-makers with actionable information to prevent asteroid impacts.