2013/11/16 by Siegfried Eggl, Eggl, Siegfried, Anatoliy Ivantsov +11
Engineering · Physics and Astronomy · #Astro and Planetary Science #Planetary Science and Exploration #Space Satellite Systems and Control #astro-ph.EP #astro-ph.IM
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.1311.4067
accepted for publication in the SF2A 2013 proceedings
arxiv created 2013/11/16 · arxiv updated 2013/11/19
Among the currently known Near Earth Objects (NEOs), roughly 1400 are classified as being potentially hazardous asteroids. The recent Chelyabinsk event has shown that these objects can pose a real threat to mankind. We illustrate that high precision asteroid astrometry plays a vital role in determining potential impact risks, selecting targets for deflection demonstration missions and evaluating mitigation mission success. After a brief introduction to the NEOShield project, an international effort initiated by the European Commission to investigate aspects of NEO mitigation in a comprehensive fashion, we discuss current astrometric performances, requirements and possible issues with NEO risk assessment and deflection demonstration missions.