Update to determine the feasibility of enhancing the search and characterization of NEOs

Abstract

This 2017 report updates a 2003 study that determined the feasibility of extending the search for near-Earth objects (NEOs) to smaller limiting diameters. The report’s authors argue that the next-generation search system should be constructed to eliminate 90% of the risk posed by unwarned impact with sub-kilometer-diameter potentially hazardous objects (PHOs), which closely approach the Earth’s orbit to within 0.05 AU. This would also eliminate essentially all of the global risk remaining after the Spaceguard efforts were completed. The implementation of this recommendation will result in a substantial reduction in uncharacterized risk to a total of fewer than 80 casualties per year, plus attendant property damage and destruction. The report examines the capability and performance of a number of ground-based and space-based sensor systems, concluding that a system can be constructed to achieve this goal, with highly favorable cost/benefit characteristics. The final choice of sensors will depend on factors such as the time allotted to accomplish the search and the available investment. – AI-generated abstract