Energy requirements and payload masses for near-Earth objects hazard mitigation

Abstract The effectiveness of various high energy density sources and their coupling coefficients are evaluated in terms of the required payload mass necessary to change the orbit of a Earth-threatening near-Earth object (NEO) by 6 m/s. Included in the analysis are high explosive, high speed projectiles, nuclear explosives and their radiations, high intensity lasers and concentrated solar energy. It is shown that a given velocity change will be equal to the product of the payload energy and the coupling coefficient divided by the mass of the NEO which superficially portrays a linear relationship. Factors upon which the coupling coefficient depends are discussed. An overall review of the sequential process to mitigate a potentially hazardous NEO is presented.

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