The Space Generation Advisory Council is working with Apollo astronaut Rusty Schweickart on different aspects in regard to Near Earth Objects. We are also exploring through him potential opportunities to work together with the Association of Space Explorers (ASE).

Assisting in UN Legal Framework for International NEO Cooperation

SGAC is a member of Action Team 14 of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS). ASE will introduce a draft protocol in 2009 which will be the output of four workshops that conclude in late 2008. SGAC can help by taking this output to inform the COPUOS member states about its content and to answer any questions that might arise to ensure that by its introduction in 2009 the member states are informed and vote in favour of the draft protocol. Even if the final version of the draft protocol will be finished a few months from now, we can already start our preparations. Please go to the forum and see our NEO resource site for more information.

Asteroid Deflection Concepts

SGAC has been given the opportunity to come up with new asteroid deflection concepts and to pass them on to Rusty for a possible consideration in the B612 Foundation. A number of deflection concepts have already been come up with. It is important that we pass on only new ideas. On the NEO resource site you can find more information about the evolution of deflection concepts. Before making new suggestions in the forum, please check if your idea might not already have been conceived. Of course you are welcome to discuss old and new concept in our forum with other interested persons and experts.

Outreach Projects

more coming soon

SGC 2007

During SGC 2007, Alex Karl, who gave a presentation about a Near Earth Object (NEO) project SGAC is starting in conjunction with the Association of Space Explorers (ASE), with strong support and backing of Apollo 9 astronaut and lunar module pilot Rusty Schweickart. He asked for input from the group on what SGAC can do to support the project, especially something based on the SETI@Home model. Suggestions included testing the NEO@Home software with our network of different computer operating systems and internet systems and situations, connecting observers from the SGAC network, and sponsoring a prize that covered SGC/IAC registration, hotel, and airfare for a person between 18 and 30 years old who has contributed the most data analysis.

As a note, the NEO@home project is on hold right now, as recent developments seem to take on the issue in another way.

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If you would like to participate, please go to the NEO forum and see our NEO Resource site for more information.

For questions and comments Contact Alex, the NEO project lead.