An orbital planetary defense system which is capable of heating the surface of potentially hazardous objects to the vaporization point as a feasible approach to impact risk mitigation is proposed. The system is called DE-STAR for directed energy system for targeting of asteroids and exploration. DE-STAR is a modular phased array of kilowatt class lasers powered by photovoltaic′s. Modular design allows for incremental development, lowering cost, minimizing risk, and technological co-development. The main objective of DE-STAR is to use the focused directed energy to raise the surface spot temperature to 3000 K, allowing direct vaporization of all known substances. In the process of heating the surface ejecting evaporated material a large reaction force alters the asteroid′s orbit, so the collision risk is decreased. The previous results can be used in the space debris removal and cleaning.