Descrizione del progetto
Un metodo innovativo per mitigare le potenziali minacce dei NEO
La perfezione dei sistemi di osservazione astronomica ha portato a un crescente tasso di scoperta di oggetti vicini alla Terra (NEO, Near-Earth Objects). I NEO sono asteroidi, comete e grandi meteore che incrociano l’orbita terrestre, rappresentando una possibile minaccia di collisione. Di conseguenza, è significativo aumentare le conoscenze sulla loro caratterizzazione fisica nonché il numero di NEO scoperti per fornire un’efficace difesa dei cittadini e delle infrastrutture in caso di collisione. Il progetto NEOROCKS, finanziato dall’UE, propone un metodo innovativo per perfezionare le operazioni di osservazione, supportare la modellizzazione e il lavoro di simulazione, promuovere la strategia internazionale e ridurre i tempi di risposta. Un gruppo di astronomi esperti che utilizzano telescopi ad ampia apertura con una sofisticata strumentazione valuteranno la rapidità con cui vengono eseguite le osservazioni di follow-up sui NEO appena scoperti.
Obiettivo
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.
Campo scientifico
Parole chiave
Programma(i)
Meccanismo di finanziamento
RIA - Research and Innovation actionCoordinatore
00136 Roma
Italia