|
Old 'Satan' ballistic missiles should be converted into an anti-asteroid defence system
AN OLD ballistic missile system should be modified to defend Earth from asteroids, a Russian scientist says, citing a major explosion over the Urals earlier this year.The Soviet-era SS-18 "Satan" heavy intercontinental ballistic missiles were ideal for conversion into a rapid-reaction anti-asteroid system, said senior rocket researcher Sabit Saitgarayev at the weekend. Mr Saitgarayev, of the State Rocket Design Centre, pointed to the destructive power of the meteor which burst over the Russian Ural Mountains on February 15. The sonic boom of the airburst blew out windows and damaged thousands of buildings around the city of Chelyabinsk. About 1200 people were injured. Some 50 were hospitalised. NASA believed the space rock to have been some 15 metres in diameter. Mr Saitgarayev said the old 1960s-era Soviet "Satan" missiles were ideally suited to such an interception role as they could be held ready for launch for up to 10 years. Posted by: Skidmark 2013-06-25 |
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=370869 |