basically, does it have enough delta-v to work with, and if so, are there other problems?
2007-09-04 10:43:46 · 8 answers · asked by modax42 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
no internal modifications. The missile is aimed for interplanetary space, however the aiming process is accomplished.
2007-09-04 10:55:12 · update #1
That's what the 'B' in ICBM stands for: ballistic. Not orbital, nor translunar, nor escape trajectory.
However, John Glenn (and the other Mercury orbit-ers) rode on a slightly modified Atlas ICBM booster into orbit, so it may be possible to place them in a very low earth orbit, but probably no where near an escape trajectory.
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2007-09-04 11:04:23 · answer #1 · answered by tlbs101 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The problem is that an ICBM is designed to hit a static target, such as a city or military base, so the guidance systems may simply be incapable of hitting a moving target. Or they may simply lack the manoeuverability to track a moving target.
ICBMs also may result in just blasting an asteroid into equally lethal smaller chunks, the best way for them to be used is to deflect an NEO with the blast, but that would also require significant accuracy and enough time to deflect the asteroid, as for a decent-sized NEO the forces involved are monumental, even versus nuclear weapons. An unmodified ICBM may simply not have enough fuel to get far enough.
2007-09-04 11:02:02 · answer #2 · answered by merlindeguerre 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, it doesn't have enough delta-v, and the other problem is that even if it did, both its kinetic energy on arrival at the asteroid, and any explosive energy that it could deliver at its surface, are completely negligible in comparison with the existing kinetic energy of the asteroid, so it would have no appreciable effect. You might as well try to derail a freight train with a penny coin.
There are plausible methods of deflecting asteroids, but they would be done with serious engineering, not with military leftovers as in Hollywood productions.
2007-09-05 02:04:37 · answer #3 · answered by bh8153 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only in the movies.
An ICBM isn't designed for anything other than point-to-point flight on Earth with a brief trip through the upper atmosphere.
2007-09-04 10:57:31 · answer #4 · answered by Joe B. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Exactly what do you mean b "unmodified"? You will have to state what is the exact condition of the ICBM before anyone can say whether it needs to be modified for that task.
2007-09-04 10:51:01 · answer #5 · answered by Renaissance Man 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No. ICBMs don't have the fuel needed for orbital insertion, let alone breaking Earth orbit. They were never designed for that criteria.
2007-09-04 11:13:35 · answer #6 · answered by quantumclaustrophobe 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nope. Not enough boost to reach escape velocity.
2007-09-04 11:10:29 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but we'd have to program it and, as usual, this would be very expensive.
2007-09-06 04:27:09 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋