What is a “city killer asteroid,” and how big is it?

A “city killer asteroid” commonly refers to an object about 140 metres across. On impact, it could cause severe regional damage. NASA estimates many in this size range remain undetected, which is why detection networks, telescopes, and survey satellites are central to planetary defense planning.

How can NASA asteroid headlines affect the Nasdaq-100?

They can shift sentiment toward space-adjacent tech, including sensors, optics, chips, cloud, and AI analytics. If funding studies or procurement signals appear, traders may bid these groups, lifting the index. Without concrete contracts, the impact can fade quickly, so we watch for verifiable catalysts and guidance.

What did the DART mission prove, and what is missing now?

DART demonstrated kinetic deflection by striking the moonlet Dimorphos and altering its orbit, proving the physics works. What is missing is an operational interceptor fleet and repeatable mission cadence. Until then, funding may favor detection networks, tracking software, modeling, and autonomy over large hardware programs.

What should Canadian investors monitor to play this theme?

Track US budget cycles, NASA authorization bills, CSA updates, and any contracts tied to detection sensors, AI processing, or data services. Build diversified exposure, use liquidity screens, and size positions conservatively. Let confirmed RFPs, pilot awards, or guidance lifts connected to planetary defense drive adds, not headlines alone.

Global Market Insights

^NDX Today, February 21: NASA ‘City-Killer’ Alert Puts Space Funding in Focus

ByHuzaifa Zahoor February 21, 2026February 21, 2026

NASA asteroid warnings are back in focus today as talk of thousands of undetected “city killer asteroid” threats raises questions about planetary defense funding. For Canadian investors, that headline risk can spill into space detection, optics, chips, and AI sensing names that influence the Nasdaq-100. We see near-term sensitivity to policy news while project timelines and budgets remain unclear. The DART mission proved deflection physics, but no operational craft is ready, keeping procurement chatter and risk appetite tightly linked. That keeps the NASA asteroid theme a live driver for sentiment across tech.