apparently there is a 1 in 45,000 chance of Earth being blown up in 2036.

[Darren Dirt]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/99942_Apophis

But I'll be like 140 by then or something, so whatever.



But for my kids' sakes, I hope we have some creative solutions by then...


If not, well... Boom, baby! 

[Melbosa]

But I'll be like 140 by then or something, so whatever.

yeah sure "OLD MAN"

[Mr. Analog]

Here's the impact risk assessment from the JPL:

http://neo.jpl.nasa.gov/risk/a99942.html

Probability? 2.2e-05

0.002200000% chance of Earth impact

or

1 in 45,000 chance

or

99.99780000% chance the asteroid will miss the Earth

I'm sure you're more likely to die from narwhal wounds, even at such an advanced age Mr. Burns.

[Thorin]

Okay, that led to How To Deflect an Asteroid, the comments of which led to Project Orion, which then led to nuclear pulse propulsion.  What is nuclear pulse propulsion?

Nuclear pulse propulsion (or External Pulsed Plasma Propulsion, as it is termed in one recent NASA document) is a proposed method of spacecraft propulsion that uses nuclear explosions for thrust.

Essentially, rocket-jumping your spaceship into space.

[Mr. Analog]

Okay, that led to How To Deflect an Asteroid, the comments of which led to Project Orion, which then led to nuclear pulse propulsion.  What is nuclear pulse propulsion?

Nuclear pulse propulsion (or External Pulsed Plasma Propulsion, as it is termed in one recent NASA document) is a proposed method of spacecraft propulsion that uses nuclear explosions for thrust.

Essentially, rocket-jumping your spaceship into space.

Atomic power... is there anything it can't do?

[Thorin]

Can it cure cancer?
Yes!

Can it take us to the stars?
Yes!

Can you eat it?
No!  Well, you can, but it won't sustain your life...

I had to share the link, though, because I just couldn't get the image of the Soldier rocket-jumping to Alpha Centauri out of my head...

[Mr. Analog]

I had to share the link, though, because I just couldn't get the image of the Soldier rocket-jumping to Alpha Centauri out of my head...

ROFL, that's one way to get to the stars (and quite possibly, beyond)!