In 1908, a smallish asteroid explodes as it careens through the atmosphere. The subsequent airburst decimates the land for miles around. Unfortunately, instead of occurring over the wastes of Siberia, this event happens over a large Metropolis--let's say Edwardian London.
What is the effect on subsequent history? Moreover, once it is learned that a meteor caused the destruction, would there be more of an interest in space travel? Would meteor deflection fail the "giggle test" as it does today or would the threat of "Another London" be enough to raise cackles worldwide?