Gravity tractor method

The gravity tractor method involves using a spacecraft positioned near an asteroid to gently pull it off its collision course with Earth. The spacecraft's gravitational pull creates a small but continuous tug on the asteroid, gradually altering its trajectory over time. This approach allows for a precise and non-destructive way to change the asteroid's path without physically touching or damaging it, providing a potentially safe method for planetary defense. The key idea is using gravity as a “tractor beam” to steer the asteroid away from impact danger.