Current Capability Gap

The plotted lines in different colors represent the performance of the deflection alternatives. Currently, the Kinetic Impactor method (green solid line) is the only partially validated option.

Yet, there are multiple challenges which we have to be overcome in order to successfully mitigate an asteroid threat using the Kinetic Impactor method.

Potential deflection performance of various deflection methods briefed to United States Congress.

1. Our Delta Heavy Launcher is not powerful enough

2. We need to hit the center of gravity (CG)

3. Someone has to fund the deflection mission decades prior to the predicted impact date

Case Study: Asteroid Apophis