Formation of high-speed laser-armed 'fighter' satellites in development - could they be our best hope against asteroids?

• 'Squadron' of laser satellites would 'chip away' at large asteroid
• Previous research focused on large craft with equally large lasers
• Solar-powered satellites would 'fly in formation' with deadly space rocks
• New approach could also help destroy space debris

Could a swarm of formation-flying satellite drones defend Earth against asteroids?

Until now, research into an 'asteroid shield' for our planet has focused on huge satellites carrying equally vast weapons.

But Strathclyde researchers think that smaller 'fighter' satellites could work together to destroy a huge asteroid - and are researching a squadron of laser satellites to do the job.

Previous asteroid defence systems focused on large satellites wielding equally large laser weapons - but could a smaller 'fleet' of fighter satellites chip away at the asteroid and do the job more effectively?

Read More: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2121162/Could-formation-fighter-satellites-defend-planet-huge-asteroid.html