As we become more aware of cosmic risks to human existence, there have been more and more efforts to identify the nature of these risks, share information as to the nature and types of these risks on a global scale, and even initiate and execute programs to carry out some form of planetary defense. The most obvious of these threats are potentially hazardous asteroids, comets, and bolides that we know can result in planetary disaster and mass exterminations. Increasing efforts have been undertaken to identify the nature of cosmic risks and to devise programs that can assist with planetary defense. This chapter seeks to identify some of the most important reports and programs that have been prepared to address planetary risks and possible defense and mitigation activities. Some of the activities are well advanced, while others are just beginning.
Although the bulk of national, regional, and international efforts related to planetary defense around the world, as addressed in the chapter on “Planetary Defense, Global Cooperation, and World Peace,” is indeed to identify, catalog, respond, and mitigate harmful objects that could crash into Earth, this is starting to change. The world community is clearly alerted to the mounting risks of orbital debris. Further research by a number of space-faring nations is increasingly identifying the serious risks associated with solar and cosmic radiation, coronal mass ejections, and orbital debris and even beginning to address external or alien viruses and cosmic radiation. Therefore, some of the important reports and initiatives with respect to these other threat areas, particularly with regard to the efforts of the World Meteorological Organization, are also noted at the end of this chapter. Nevertheless, the major portions of this chapter are directed to key reports such as those of the Working Group on Near-Earth Objects (WGNEO) of the International Astronomical Union and the annual report by NASA to Congress with regard to the Safeguard program, the work of the Association of Space Explorers, the Panel on Asteroid Threat Mitigation, the Action Team-14, and the work of the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.
Today most of these reports and efforts are directed at “detection” and achieving a better scientific understanding of the level of cosmic threats as well as a wider sharing of threat information on a global basis. Increasingly, in the last few years, these efforts have also transitioned to the development of preventive programs that actually begin to see viable ways to “implement” global defenses against cosmic threats. Today, the International Astronomical Union, the International Academy of Astronautics, the United Nations (as discussed in the earlier chapter), the Association of Space Explorers, the Action Team-14, as well as NASA, ESA, and other national and regional space agencies support the abovementioned efforts. All of these efforts play a prime role in publishing critical information about cosmic hazards and planetary defense in various locations but with prime focus on the Minor Planet Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in the USA. In the future, however, a growing number of institutions will be involved. Organizations playing a key role today range from the Association of Space Explorers, the Planetary Society, the Safeguard Foundation, and the B612 Foundation (which is implementing the new Sentinel infrared telescope). Key roles are also played by academic institutions such as the Minor Planet Center (at the Harvard University and Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory) as well as observatories around the world. Even commercial space programs are involved since micrometeoroids are a threat to commercial satellite programs. These entities and more will thus play an increasing and positive role in informing the public as well as implementing defensive programs.
Key Reports on Cosmic Hazards and Planetary Defense Issues and Initiatives
Handbook of Cosmic Hazards and Planetary Defense ; Chapter : 36 ; 497-512
2015-01-01
16 pages
Article/Chapter (Book)
Electronic Resource
English
Association of space explorers , B612 Foundation , International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) , International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) , International Astronomical Union (IAU) , Impact Disaster Planning Advisory Group (IDPAG) , Interprogramme Coordination Team on Space Weather (ICTSW) Minor Planet Center , NASA , Near-Earth objects (NEOs) , Planetary society , Spaceguard Foundation , Spaceguard Program , Space Missions Planning Advisory Group (SMPAG) , Space weather , <index-term><term>United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs</term></index-term>United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs , World Meteorological Organization , Working Group on Near-Earth Objects (WGNEO) of the Science and Technology Committee of the IAU Engineering , Aerospace Technology and Astronautics , Natural Hazards , Space Sciences (including Extraterrestrial Physics, Space Exploration and Astronautics) , Paleontology
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