NASA considers using nuclear weapons against moon-bound asteroid

NASA is considering using nuclear weapons to prevent a potential collision between the Apollo-class asteroid 2024 YR4 and the moon. The asteroid is currently on a course that could lead to a 4% chance of impact with the moon in December 2032. Such an impact could generate debris that could pose a threat to satellites and the International Space Station. NASA is exploring two main strategies: deflecting the asteroid or destroying it. Deflecting the asteroid would require a reconnaissance mission to determine its exact mass, but the window for such a mission is narrow, closing as early as 2028. The alternative is to use a one-megaton nuclear bomb to break the asteroid into smaller, less dangerous pieces. However, experts warn that nuclear explosions in space carry significant risks, as demonstrated by the "Starfish Prime" high-altitude nuclear test in 1962, which caused massive disruption to electronics and satellites. The consequences of a near-moon detonation are currently difficult to predict. NASA will continue to search for the best solution, but a decision is not expected before 2028, leaving little time to implement any strategy before the potential impact in 2032.