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MOSCOW. (Yury Zaitsev for RIA Novosti) -...
reversing the asteroid"s trajectory. A jet engine on the asteroid"s surface could change its flight path. Still there are some problems because the spacecraft would have trouble maneuvering near the asteroid and placing the jet engine on its surface. Another method suggests using laser or solar beams to heat up a small asteroid-surface section and to propel it in the required direction. But it would be hard to deliver a laser unit or a mirror-lens to the asteroid and to ensure the required attitude control for a long time. An asteroid patrol would prove quite expensive; consequently, it would be expedient to streamline its elements during current space programs, which is being done at present. The Deep Impact project shows that scientists are working in the right direction.Russia"s Lavochkin NPO has suggested the demonstration project Space Patrol for perfecting various asteroid-protection methods and systems. A small spacecraft with a mass of just 200 kg, now being developed
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