The international scientific community has asked Russian scientists to develop a system of diversion of asteroids that could endanger the Earth. The system should work on the basis of nuclear explosions in space. This information was provided by CNIImaš (Central Scientific Research Institute of Engineering - pozn.), Which is the main scientific organization of Roskosmos.

"As part of the EU's seventh program for the development of scientific research and technology from 2012 to 2015, the NEOShield project was implemented, in which all possibilities of acting on dangerous objects were investigated and developed. The works were divided between different participants from different countries and organizations. Research and development regarding the diversion of dangerous space objects by means of nuclear explosions was entrusted to Russia, which is represented in the project by FGUP CNIImash, "said the spokesman of the institute.

Specialists from other organizations in the rocket and space industry and from the Russian Academy of Sciences were also involved in the project.

Russian scientists believe that a nuclear explosion near a dangerous asteroid is the most effective way to avert a collision with Earth. At present, however, nuclear explosions in space are banned.

"But if there is a situation threatened by an asteroid and subsequent huge damage, or even the destruction of life on Earth, this ban will be lifted," he thinks in CNIImash.

They also stressed at the research institute that it is safest to carry out nuclear explosions in outer space, as long as there is enough time left for the asteroid to approach Earth.

"In this case, the nuclear explosion is carried out in such a way that the asteroid does not disintegrate into individual pieces, but that some of its mass is released, which creates a force that will act back on the asteroid and change its trajectory. This will then be reflected in the subsequent approach to Earth, when the asteroid passes it at a safe distance, "they explained in CNIImash.