Consider the collision between an asteroid and a rocket as discussed in connection with Figure 7.17. We have already calculated the deflection angle that results from the collision with the rocket (Eq. 7.27), but we need to also determine if this deflection will actually save the Earth. If we assume the collision takes place near the Moon, will the asteroid miss the Earth? Ignore the effect of the Earth???s gravitational force on the asteroid.

Figure 7.17

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Earth Vfx Rocket Asteroid