US scientists plan to build a space laser array to intercept invasive asteroids

DE-STAR system operation principle diagram.

A group of researchers from the California Institute of Technology and the University of California, Santa Barbara, has proposed an innovative approach to protect Earth from potential asteroid threats. Their project, known as DE-STAR, is designed not only to detect and destroy dangerous asteroids but also to analyze their composition and even provide energy for deep-space missions.

The urgency of such a system was highlighted by two recent astronomical events. On February 15, a meteorite shower struck several regions in Siberia, Russia, after hours of continuous rain. Just a day earlier, on February 14, a small asteroid about the size of a football field narrowly missed Earth. These incidents have sparked renewed interest in developing proactive measures to defend against potential cosmic threats.

In response, a team of scientists from UC Santa Barbara and Caltech unveiled a bold plan: using solar energy to create a large-scale laser array in space. This system, called DE-STAR, would be capable of tracking and neutralizing hazardous asteroids before they pose a threat to Earth.

Philip Rubin, a physics professor at UC Santa Barbara, emphasized the importance of taking action early. “We need to think logically and act proactively rather than wait until it's too late,” he said. “It’s time to start small, without needing massive resources upfront.” He described the initiative as an example of “advanced action” aimed at preventing future disasters.

Gary Hughes, a researcher at Caltech, explained that while the technology required for DE-STAR already exists, scaling it up to the desired size remains a challenge. “The components are there, but we need to build something much larger,” he said. “However, we can begin now and gradually expand the system.”

According to the team's vision, DE-STAR could vary in size from a desktop-sized model to one with a diameter of up to 10 kilometers. For instance, the DE-STAR2 model, which would be about the size of the International Space Station, could push threatening asteroids out of harm’s way. A more advanced version, DE-STAR4, could potentially emit 1.4 trillion tons of energy daily, enough to melt a 500-meter-wide asteroid within a year.

Beyond asteroid defense, the system could also play a role in space exploration. It could help identify valuable minerals on asteroids and serve as a power source for long-distance space travel, reducing the need to carry heavy fuel supplies.

The team is currently preparing a proposal for peer review, aiming to bring this groundbreaking concept closer to reality. With continued research and development, DE-STAR could become a crucial tool in safeguarding our planet and expanding humanity’s reach into the cosmos.

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