NASA STI Repository (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) · 1992 · 137 citations · 0 references
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EngineeringAerospace EngineeringEarth SciencesAstrodynamicsEnvironmental Impact AssessmentSpacecraft DesignAsteroid DynamicsCollision DetectionPlanetary ProtectionSpace ExplorationSpacecraft Proximity OperationsCollision Avoidance In OrbitDetectionIdentification Of Space ObjectsNear-earth ObjectsOrbital Collision AvoidancePlanetary DefensePlanetary Hazard DetectionSpace Debris Risk Assessment
Impacts by Earth-approaching asteroids and comets pose a significant hazard to life and property. Although the annual probability of the Earth being struck by a large asteroid or comet is extremely small, the consequences of such a collision are so catastrophic that it is prudent to assess the nature of the threat and to prepare to deal with it. The first step in any program for the prevention or mitigation of impact catastrophes must involve a comprehensive search for Earth-crossing asteroids and comets and a detailed analysis of their orbits. At the request of the U.S. Congress, NASA has carried out a preliminary study to define a program for dramatically increasing the detection rate of Earth-crossing objects, as documented in this workshop report.