Mathematics – Probability
Scientific paper
Jan 2002
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2002iaf..confe.242m&link_type=abstract
IAF abstracts, 34th COSPAR Scientific Assembly, The Second World Space Congress, held 10-19 October, 2002 in Houston, TX, USA.,
Mathematics
Probability
Scientific paper
There exists an infrequent, but significant hazard to life and property due to impacting asteroids and comets. Earth approaching asteroids and comets are collectively termed NEOs (near-Earth objects). The goal of current search efforts is to catalog and characterize by 2008 the orbits of 90% of the estimated 1200 near-Earth asteroids larger than 1 km in diameter. Impacts can also occur from short-period comets in asteroid-like orbits, and long-period comets which do not regularly enter near-Earth space since their orbital periods range from 200-14 million years. There is currently no specific search for long-period comets, smaller near-Earth asteroids, or smaller short-period comets. These objects represent a threat with potentially little or no warning time using conventional ground-based telescopes. These planetary bodies also represent a significant resource for commercial exploitation, long-term sustained space exploration, and scientific research. The Comet/Asteroid Protection System (CAPS) would expand the detection effort to include kilometer class long-period comets, as well as small asteroids and short-period comets capable of regional destruction. Additionally, CAPS would provide an orbit modification system capable of diverting kilometer class NEOs and modifying the orbits of smaller asteroids for impact defense, as well as resource utilization. This paper provides a summary overview of CAPS and discusses its primary goal, to identify a space-based system concept that provides integrated detection and protection through permanent, continuous NEO monitoring, and rapid , controlled modification of the orbital trajectories of selected comets and asteroids. The goal of CAPS is to determine whether it is possible to identify a "single" lunar based or orbiting system concept to defend against the entire range of threatening objects, with the ability to protect against 1 km class long-period comets as the initial focus. CAPS would provide a high probability that these objects are detected and their orbits accurately characterized with significant warning time, even upon their first observed near-Earth approach. The baseline detection concept advocates the use of advanced, high-resolution optical/infrared telescopes with large, mosaic image plane arrays, coordinated telescope control for NEO surveying and tracking, and interferometric techniques to obtain precision or bit determination when required. The primary orbit modification approach uses a spacecraft that combines a high energy power system, high thrust and specific impulse propulsion system for rapid rendezvous, and a pulsed laser ablation payload for changing the target's orbit. This combination of technologies may offer a future orbit modification system that could deflect impactors of various compositions, and provide an effective method for altering the orbits of NEOs for resource utilization. Although the primary motivation for CAPS is to provide protection against impacting comets and asteroids, it is anticipated that the system and technologies developed would have additional benefits that extend to various NASA enterprises and other U.S. and international government entities, the commercial sector, the scientific community, and academia. Additionally, there is tremendous benefit in "practicing" how to move these objects from a threat mitigation standpoint. Developing the capability to alter the orbits of comets and asteroids routinely for non-defensive purposes could greatly increase the probability that we can successfully divert a future impactor.
Antol Jeffrey
Mazanek Daniel D.
Roithmayr Carlos M.
No associations
LandOfFree
Comet/Asteroid Protection System (CAPS): a Space-Based System Concept for Revolutionizing Earth Protection and Utilization of Near Earth-Objects does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Comet/Asteroid Protection System (CAPS): a Space-Based System Concept for Revolutionizing Earth Protection and Utilization of Near Earth-Objects, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Comet/Asteroid Protection System (CAPS): a Space-Based System Concept for Revolutionizing Earth Protection and Utilization of Near Earth-Objects will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1331436