NASA has developed a concept that would make it possible to visit comets and asteroids with harpoon and tether—and use minimal propellant.

Douglas Adams' "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" is beloved by scientists and laypeople alike.


The proof is in a new concept developed by NASA to hop between comets and asteroids in our solar system. 


Comet Hitchhiker is a proposed small body jumper that would harness the kinetic energy of the objects it intends to visit via reusable harpoon and tether—thus eliminating the need for propellant when the craft enters orbit or lands. 


The process is akin to catching a big fish. NASA explains, “Once the fish bites, you would release more of the line with a mod