This blog post is designed to inspire students studying law or economics by highlighting how their area of study can intersect with planetary defense. While the examples below offer a starting point, we encourage proposals that explore other ideas and approaches. Additionally, students are not required to submit a proposal directly related to their degree focus.
Planetary defense is deeply rooted in scientific discovery and engineering ingenuity. From tracking near-Earth objects (NEOs) to designing asteroid deflection technologies, these fields are essential to protecting Earth from asteroid impacts and advancing our understanding of the solar system.
Key scientific and engineering aspects of planetary defense:
- Asteroid Detection and Characterization
- Development of new observation techniques and tools for identifying and tracking NEOs.
- Research into asteroid composition, size, and rotation to inform mitigation strategies.
- Astrodynamics and Orbit Prediction
- Refining models to predict asteroid orbits with greater precision.
- Analyzing how gravitational influences and keyholes affect NEO trajectories over time.
- Deflection Technologies
- Designing and testing asteroid deflection methods, such as kinetic impactors, gravity tractors, and nuclear options.
- Simulating deflection scenarios using computational models.
- Impact Modeling
- Using physics and computational tools to model the effects of asteroid impacts on Earth’s surface and atmosphere.
- Assessing potential damage to infrastructure, ecosystems, and populations.
- Planetary Defense Missions
- Contributing to mission planning for projects like NASA’s DART mission and ESA’s Hera mission.
- Designing spacecraft capable of carrying out deflection or reconnaissance missions.
- Integration of AI and Machine Learning
- Leveraging AI to analyze vast datasets for asteroid detection and impact prediction.
- Developing automated systems for identifying high-risk asteroids.
- Instrument Development and Innovation
- Creating advanced sensors and telescopes to enhance detection capabilities.
- Improving in-situ analysis tools for space missions.
- Space-Based Infrastructure
- Engineering satellite constellations and observatories dedicated to NEO monitoring.
- Developing modular technologies for adaptable planetary defense solutions.
- Solar System Mapping and Exploration
- Advancing tools to map the solar system comprehensively, providing crucial context for planetary defense.
- Enabling better navigation and resource identification in space.
- Interdisciplinary Research
- Collaborating with experts in other fields, such as policy, economics, and education, to ensure well-rounded approaches to planetary defense challenges.
Resources for Further Exploration
- NASA Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO): Provides leadership in detecting, tracking, and mitigating asteroid threats to Earth. NASA PDCO
- European Space Agency (ESA) Planetary Defence Office: Oversees Europe’s efforts in monitoring and responding to near-Earth objects. ESA Planetary Defence
- Minor Planet Center: Tracks asteroid and comet orbits, serving as a clearinghouse for international asteroid data. MPC
- National Near-Earth Object Preparedness Strategy and Action Plan: Outlines the United States’ strategic approach to NEO threats. US Government Plan
- DART Mission Overview: Details NASA’s first planetary defense test mission to alter an asteroid’s path. JPL DART
- The Hera Mission: Focuses on ESA’s mission to study the effects of the DART collision and advance NEO mitigation strategies. ESA Hera
- Asteroid Institute Resources: Offers tools and research to advance asteroid discovery and mapping efforts. Asteroid Institute
- AIDA Mission Collaboration: A joint effort between NASA and ESA for asteroid impact deflection assessment. AIDA Overview
- Asteroid Threat Assessment Project: Investigates the potential risks and consequences of asteroid impacts. ATAP