Astronomy White Papers
Preparing for Planetary Defense: Detection and Interception of Asteroids on Collision Course with Earth
Overview
As the Earth revolves around the Sun, it orbits through planetary debris left from the formation of the solar system. Many of the debris objects are asteroids and comets in orbits bringing them close to the Earth and are referred to as Near Earth Objects (or NEOs). Of the total NEO population, some portion are in orbits actually intersecting or crossing the orbit of the Earth.
This paper first investigates the magnitude and frequency of the threat by reviewing the extensive research by the scientific community on this subject over the last several years. Then it looks at some of the technologies and methods for detecting, cataloguing, and tracking planetary debris objects that may be on a collision course with Earth. The focus then shifts to issues associated with mitigation efforts and technology for interception and deflection or destruction of these objects. Finally, it examines the potential cost and benefits of a Department of Defense (DoD) role in an international planetary defense effort
| Publisher | Federation of American Scientists | File Format | HTML |
|---|---|---|---|
| Date Published | August 2003 | Downloads | 73 |
| Format | White Papers | ||
| Topics | |||
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