Abstract

We consider the feasibility of optically based redirection of an object such as an asteroid in space. Excellent recent terrestrial work has demonstrated record capabilities for high resolution metrology using multiple trains of femtosecond optical pulses [1]. The extension of this current work to redirection from, e.g., 50 m distance, of an asteroid in space will not be trivial, but is arguably possible. We consider some model systems and calculate possible performance.

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