Overview
As the ADRC’s first major research project, ISGC study will emphasize a “system of systems” approach to the complex problem of developing planetary defense systems against NEOs.
The project will integrate NEO detection, characterization and deflection into a unified and highly multi-disciplinary research program in an effort to develop practically viable and comprehensive planetary defense system architectures both now and for the decades and centuries to come.
Primary Objectives
The primary tasks of the ISGC NEO Study are as follows:
1. Development of a National Roadmap and Integrated System Architectures for NEO Surveys and Threat Mitigation (27 months, January 2009 – March 2011)
2. Systems Engineering/Design Study deflection methods, including Gravity Tractors, Kinetic Impactors, Nuclear Interceptors, and Solar Collectors. (15 months, January 2009 – March 2010)
3. Physical Modeling and Computer Simulation of Asteroid Deflection/Fragmentation Using Nuclear Standoff Explosions (19 months, October 2009 – March 2011)
4. Study the Potential for Using the Dawn Spacecraft to Demonstrate the GT/KEI Concept and Technology (19 months, October 2009 – March 2011)
General Timeline, Budgets and Milestones of the ISGC NEO Study.