Lasers Could Steer Asteroids Away From Earth

It is the ultimate science fiction weapon - a system which would use laser beams to intercept and deflect asteroids heading towards Earth. The system known as DE-STAR - or Directed Energy System for Targeting of Asteroids and exploRation - has been a concept for years but tests show it could now be a viable option. Physicists from the University of California say an unmanned space-travelling DE-STAR craft could use lasers to heat up asteroids which are heading towards Earth.