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Review Article Volume 10 Issue 1
Terrashield - asteroid interception system
Giorgio Gaviraghi
Received: March 01, 2026 | Published: March 27, 2026
Citation: Gaviraghi G. Terrashield - asteroid interception system. Aeron Aero Open Access J. 2026;10(1):47-54. DOI: 10.15406/aaoaj.2026.10.00248
Abstract
This paper examines the strategic necessity of a permanent planetary defense architecture
in response to the persistent threat of asteroid impacts. The Solar System is a dynamic
environment populated by millions of near-Earth objects (NEOs), some of which follow
trajectories that intersect Earth’s orbit. Historical evidence—including the Chicxulub
impact that caused the extinction of the dinosaurs—demonstrates that large-scale collisions
are inevitable on geological timescales. While extinction-level events require asteroids
approximately 10 kilometers in diameter, even smaller objects pose catastrophic regional or
global risks. The unpredictability of detection timelines creates a critical vulnerability: late
discovery would leave insufficient time to design and deploy effective mitigation systems.
The paper proposes a proactive planetary defense framework, “Terrashield,” integrating
artificial intelligence–driven detection and trajectory modeling with megascale space
infrastructure. Advances in AI enable continuous monitoring of astronomical datasets,
rapid risk assessment, and optimization of interception strategies. Simultaneously,
emerging space-based capabilities— including orbital manufacturing, autonomous
assembly systems, kinetic impactors, and the potential development of a space elevator—
could support a standing, continuously operational defense system rather than emergency
response missions.
Multiple mitigation strategies are analyzed, including kinetic impactors, gravity tractors,
nuclear deflection, laser ablation, asteroid redirection, and artificial impactor construction.
Each alternative is evaluated in terms of feasibility, effectiveness, technological readiness,
and political implications. The paper includes a recommended solution with the combat
stations as essential instruments to intercept and deflect any incoming asteroid. The study
argues that the cost of preparation is negligible compared to the irreversible consequences of
inaction. Planetary defense must therefore be recognized not as speculative ambition, but as
a global moral and strategic responsibility to safeguard civilization and future generations.
Keywords: asteroid collision, asteroid redirection, nuclear weapons in space, dinosaurs extinction
©2026 Gaviraghi. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.