China's 'Armageddon' plan: Nuclear shield against world-ending asteroids

Chinese researchers have devised a planetary defense strategy to counter the threat of asteroids capable of causing mass extinction. Inspired by the movie "Armageddon," the project aims to destroy or alter the course of devastating space rocks.

The proposed method involves detonating nuclear devices. For asteroids up to 50 meters in diameter, a 300-kiloton nuclear blast could completely vaporize them. Larger asteroids, potentially causing mass extinctions, would require 3-megaton nuclear explosives to break apart.

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In crisis moments where detection time is limited to days or weeks, this method will be the only option to save humanity.

Scientists acknowledge significant technical hurdles. The plan hinges on detecting threats months in advance and developing new spacecraft capable of carrying heavy drilling equipment and nuclear warheads. They stress that in crisis situations, where detection time is limited to days or weeks, this nuclear approach is humanity's only viable option.

The researchers highlight that asteroid impacts have caused mass extinctions throughout Earth's history. They argue that space defense systems are now a national security issue, and this nuclear shield project offers strategic security against existential threats from space, ensuring the continuity of human civilization.

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The nuclear shield project will constitute a strategic safeguard against doomsday scenarios coming from space, ensuring the continuity of human civilization.