Cassandra: A political strategy to protect our planet from Near-Earth Objects

Paper number

IAC-06-E3.P.3.04

Author

Mrs. Vicky Chouinard, ART Advanced Research Technologies Inc., Canada

Coauthor

Mrs. Laura Appolloni, Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES), France

Coauthor

Mr. Olivier Leonard, European Space Agency/ESRIN, Italy

Year

2006

Abstract

A sound framework for international cooperation exists today in the United Nations (UN). Broad agreements have been put in place within the UN or as independent initiatives of space-faring countries. Nevertheless, further collaboration and investigation are needed in many areas. The risk from Near Earth Objects (NEO), and high inclination objects in particular, is a topic that needs to be addressed in an international forum. NEOs such as asteroids and comets have been known to have a significant impact during the course of Earth’s history. Besides causing widespread damage on a regional and global scale, NEOs have shaped the evolution of life here on Earth, with the most destructive objects triggering mass extinctions. Despite the fairly low probability of an impact with Earth, the NEO threat cannot be underestimated, as even the impact of a small object would endanger life on Earth, potentially causing massive loss of lives and jeopardizing the human species as a whole. 

Although the international community has increasingly recognized the possible consequences of NEO impacts, both scientifically and politically, only a few initiatives involving financial commitments have been undertaken by state authorities. No international framework exists to this date to address detection and possible responses to a NEO threat, including the potential use of a nuclear device to mitigate the threat.

The aim of our paper is to propose an international cooperative framework to coordinate existing and future programs related to NEO detection, characterization and mitigation. Our proposed methodology is to review existing forms of international cooperation agreements governing space activities or pertaining to international disaster management. Based on the conclusions drawn from our proposed analysis, we intend to recommend a new inter-government agreement on the detection and possible worldwide mitigation response to NEOs. A clear command and control structure, to plan and execute a response to NEO, such as who informs whom of potential threats and who has final responsibility for detection and mitigation, will also be proposed. Our paper will also advocate for the creation of a supporting legal framework which shall minimize regulatory or other legal barriers, enabling States to act rapidly after confirmation of a NEO threat. The originality of our paper resides in the proposed international framework which will provide a highly orchestrated process for an efficient and coordinated response to potential NEO threats.

Abstract document

IAC-06-E3.P.3.04.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-06-E3.P.3.04.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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