Is nuking an asteroid a good idea? The idea of using a nuclear bomb to deal with a threatening asteroid may sound like pure Hollywood fantasy, but it’s actually one of the options humanity might turn to for planetary defense. Learn more about when a big “kaboom” is the appropriate 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 narrowly misses Earth in 2029, Ramses may be along for the ride. The European Space Agency’s mission would send three spacecraft to the asteroid — two entering into close orbit and one landing 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 launch on time.
Crickets — they’re what’s for dinner. In space, as much as on Earth, insects such as crickets are increasingly being explored as sustainable food sources. This week’s Planetary Radio features an interview with members of Team Insecta, a group of Canadian students exploring crickets as a viable source of food for long-term space travel.
NASA’s planetary science budget is not keeping up. Two years into the 10-year period outlined by the planetary science decadal survey, NASA’s spending on planetary science is falling far behind amounts recommended by the science community. The Planetary Society’s space policy team has prepared an in-depth analysis of the past, present, and future of NASA’s planetary science budget and how it departs from the decadal’s recommendations.