A 3D visualisation of an asteroid before it hit the Earth as
devised by Queen's Astrophysics Research Centre astronomers A
team of British scientists and engineers is developing plans for
a spacecraft that could stop large asteroids from hitting the
Earth. The 10-tonne "gravity tractor" would deflect any orbiting
rocks years before any potential collision could happen. The
device, which would rely on the force of gravity, is being
developed by Stevenage space company EADS Astrium. However, the
idea is still in its early stages and the company says a
prototype is some way off from being built. The tractor would
steer asteroids away from the Earth The US space agency's (Nasa)
Near Earth Object programme reports on its website that it has
recorded 1068 known "Potentially Hazardous Asteroids", however
there are thousands more estimated to be present in space. Dr
Ralph Cordey, who is EADS Astrium's head of exploration and
business, told BBC News that the concept of a gravity tug was
actually first mooted by two Na