Project description
An innovative method to mitigate NEOs potential threats
The perfection of astronomical observation systems led to an increasing discovery rate of near-Earth objects (NEOs). NEOs are asteroids, comets and large meteors that intersect Earth's orbit, representing a possible crash threat. As a consequence, it is significant to increase knowledge on their physical characterisation as well as the number of discovered NEOs to provide effective defence of citizens and infrastructures in the event of a collision. The EU-funded NEOROCKS project proposes an innovative method to perfect observational operations, support modelling and simulation work, promote international strategy and reduce response times. A group of expert astronomers using large aperture telescopes with sophisticated instrumentation will evaluate how fast follow-up observations are performed on newly discovered NEOs.
Objective
NEOROCKS improves knowledge on physical characterization of Near Earth Objects (NEOs) for planetary defense. NEOROCKS connects expertise in performing small body astronomical observations and the related modelling needed to derive their dynamical and physical properties, to the pragmatic planetary defense approach, which aims to provide operational loops and information systems to protect citizens and ground infrastructures from potential threats.
The challenge for physical characterization is to keep up with the increasing NEO discovery rate. The challenge for planetary defense is to keep up with the trend of NEO discoveries dominated by small-size objects near the Earth, capable to produce damage in case of impact. Among them, are “imminent impactors” with short warning times.
NEOROCKS proposes an innovative approach, focused on:
a) a team of expert astronomers with access to large aperture telescopes equipped with state of the art instrumentation;
b) investigating the relationship between orbit determination of newly discovered objects and quick execution of follow-up observations, to provide SW technologies to face imminent impactors threats;
c) profiting from European industrial expertise on Space Situational Awareness (SSA) to plan and execute breakthrough experiments on remote tasking of highly automatized robotic telescopes for rapid response;
d) extremely high standards in data dissemination, thus scaling up results to global level and exploiting results (through ASI Space Science Data Centre).
NEOROCKS will optimize observational activities, enhance modelling and simulation tasks, foster international coordination and speed-up response times. It will ensure availability of results and public education. It joins top scientists with extensive NEO observation and physical characterization expertise, governmental institutions with access to large infrastructures, industrial partners participating in SSA programs and expertise in outreach and management.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.2.1.6. - INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies – Space
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.2.1.6.1. - Enabling European competitiveness, non-dependence and innovation of the European space sector
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H2020-EU.2.1.6.3. - Enabling exploitation of space data
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
RIA - Research and Innovation action
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) H2020-SPACE-2018-2020
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
00136 ROMA
Italy
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.