However, I would like to pose a question - should this alter how we view the next destination for humans? I know more than a few people who have been all about the moon, and ignored asteroids.
I suppose this really depends on how one goes about trying to defend Earth. One could try to deflect an asteroid using super sized nuclear missiles. Alternatively one could take advantage of a robust common space transportation infrastructure encompassing cryo stages with orbital refueling as well as electric propulsion.
It's amusing that no matter what the question is, you guys come up with the same answers.
Quote from: Jim on 02/24/2013 10:49 pmWhy NASA? It is a defense issue and not a space research issue.Asteroid detection/survey is credibly a space research issue.Agreed that asteroid *mitigation* is a defense issue.
Why NASA? It is a defense issue and not a space research issue.
leaves most folks shocked...
Quote from: Rocket Science on 11/07/2013 09:50 pmleaves most folks shocked... Shocks quartz grains too. I just hope it doesn't take another Burckle crater for everyone to sit up and care, but it might.
This coming October, an asteroid will fly by Earth. Known as 2012 TC4, this small rock is believed to measure between 10 and 30 meters (30 and 100 feet) in size. As with most asteroids, this one is expected to sail safely past Earth without incident. This will take place on October 12th, when the asteroid will pass us at a closest estimated distance of 6,800 kilometers (4,200 miles) from Earth’s surface.That’s certainly good news. But beyond the fact that it does not pose a threat to Earth, NASA is also planning on using the occasion to test their new detection and tracking network. As part of their Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO), this network is responsible for detecting and tracking asteroids that periodically pass close to Earth, which are known as Potentially Hazardous Objects (PHOs)In addition to relying on data provided by NASA’s Near-Earth Object (NEO) Observations Program. the PDCO also coordinates NEO observations conducted by National Science Foundation (NSF)-sponsored ground-based observatories, as well as space situational awareness facilities run by the US Air Force. Aside from finding and tracking PHOs, the PDCO is also responsible for coming up with ways of deflecting and redirecting them.