Pulling an asteroid instead of pushing it?

[cicatrix]

Greetings, before even attempting that I'm wondering is there any way I can get away with pulling an asteroid to redirect it instead of pushing it?

I tried grappling hooks from KAS but cables there are too short and my exhaust does nothing. I need to eject a huge Class E asteroid out of the Kerbol system and I would need several more ships to accomplish the task so it gave me an idea - if I had something long enough would that idea (about pulling) be theoretically possible or not?

Edited December 1, 2014 by cicatrix

[Taki117]

Totally possible. You need to release the cables and move your ship forwards after grappling. 20 meters should do, then lock the cables and use very low thrust so they don't break.

[Streetwind]

Alternatively, try a long boom made out of xl girder segments with a docking port on one end and a grabbing claw on the other. Difficult to launch, but makes for a very sturdy pulling tether. And the docking port makes sure you can leave the boom in place on the asteroid while you swap out a depleted tug craft for a fresh one.

[cicatrix]

Oh, using KAS I can assemble this thing in place. Just a girder with 2 clamp-o-trons, small computer core, a battery, a monopropellant tank, and RCS. Oh, some solar panels too... Pity I can't take 10 girders to space and make them a whole structure there.

Anyway - I'll try both options to see what's better.

How much distance should I aim for - will 20m be enough?

[Taki117]

Here's my mission report on your exact scenario. I speak from experience when I say it can be done with just a couple of winches.