The laser weapon that could save Earth from asteroids

The laser weapon that could save Earth from asteroids: System could vapourise space rocks from 2 million miles away Scientists are building the ultimate science-fiction weapon to deal with asteroids. A system known as DE-STAR - or Directed Energy System for Targeting of Asteroids and exploRation - will use laser beams to intercept and deflect space rocks. The concept has been around for several years, but a new paper is now presenting it as a viable solution to ward off dangerous 'Near Earth Objects' (NEOs).