Project Impact: Simulating Asteroid Defense with NASA Data

Asteroid impacts aren't just science fiction; they're a real risk that agencies like NASA actively monitor and prepare for. I built Project Impact to make planetary defense tangible using real NEO data and physics based simulations. Within the first week of launching, the platform reached 16,000 unique visitors.

Technical Implementation

The platform is built on Next.js 15 with Three.js for 3D rendering. It integrates NASA's NEO Web Service API to pull live asteroid data, processing orbital elements and approach velocities into physics parameters for real time impact simulations.

Impact Assessment uses established crater scaling laws and damage models to simulate asteroid strikes. The system calculates crater formation, seismic effects, thermal radiation, and atmospheric disruption. By integrating real population density data and tsunami modeling, it provides realistic casualty estimates and damage projections for any impact scenario.

Mitigation Strategies implements five scientifically backed deflection techniques: kinetic impactors inspired by DART, gravity tractors, nuclear standoff detonations, laser ablation, and ion beam shepherds. Each method includes physics accurate trajectory modifications and feasibility analysis. A Gemini AI chatbot provides contextual guidance on strategy selection.

Defense Scenario simulates decision making under uncertainty using real NASA NEO data. The module models detection probabilities, mission economics, and time critical response windows, forcing users to balance risk, cost, and effectiveness.

Why It Works

The key was balancing scientific accuracy with accessibility. By using NASA's actual asteroid catalog containing 27 real NEOs and implementing validated impact physics, the platform teaches through experimentation rather than lecture. Users see the direct consequences of their choices, whether that's selecting the wrong deflection method or underestimating an impact's blast radius.

The technical stack combines React Three Fiber for 3D visualization, NASA JPL databases for orbital mechanics, and geographic APIs for population and water detection to create an immersive experience grounded in real science.

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