Is it a good idea to bomb an asteroid? The idea of using a nuclear bomb to combat a threatening asteroid may seem like pure Hollywood fantasy, but it is actually one of the options that humanity could turn to for planetary defense. Learn more about when a big “kaboom” is the right solution to a potential impact. Pictured: An artist's impression of DART (a demonstration of a non-nuclear deflection technique) on its way to a pair of asteroids. Image credit: NASA/JHUAPL.
When Apophis is about to collide with Earth in 2029, Ramses could be along for the ride. The mission of the European Space Agency I would send three spacecraft to the asteroid Two of them will enter close orbit and one will land on Apophis to study it as it passes close to Earth. Although the mission has not yet been officially confirmed by ESA, work has already begun to ensure it can be launched on time.
Crickets are what's for dinner. Both in space and on Earth, insects such as crickets are increasingly being explored as sustainable food sources. This week's Planetary Radio features Interview with members of the Insecta teama group of Canadian students exploring crickets as a viable food source for long-term space travel.
NASA's budget for planetary science is not up to par. Two years into the 10-year period outlined by the decadal survey on planetary science, NASA's spending on planetary science is well below the amounts recommended by the scientific community. The Planetary Society's space policy team has prepared An in-depth look at the past, present, and future of NASA's planetary science budget. and how it deviates from the recommendations of the decade.
