NASA considers kinetic or nuclear missions against asteroid
In 2024, asteroid YR4 caught attention for its potential impact on Earth in 2032. However, the risk was later reduced to 0.28%, but now there is a 4% chance of it hitting the Moon, raising concerns.
### A Lunar Impact with Earthly Consequences
Although a lunar impact wouldn’t directly affect Earth, it could significantly increase the number of micrometeorites in low Earth orbit, posing risks to satellites and astronauts.
### Uncertainties in Planetary Defense
Challenges in defending against YR4 include uncertainty about its mass and density, complicating deflection strategies. Options range from kinetic missions to the controversial use of a nuclear device to disintegrate the object.
