Momentum Coupling to NEOs

ABSTRACT: We considered the coupling of momentum to near‐Earth objects (NEOs) for the purposes of collision avoidance or collision damage mitigation through trajectory modification. The momentum sources considered were pulsed lasers, kinetic energy impactors, and nuclear (or conventional) explosives, detonated above or below the surface of the NEO by the nonnuclear and nuclear momentum sources listed above. We did not address the system tradeoffs or the environmental implications of momentum source delivery.