Expert: Tom Whiting - 9/7/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hello Tom,
I've been researching different security implications for a planetary defense response program if we were to credibly establish one through an international partnerships (JAXA, ESA, Russian Aeronautics, Chinese Aeronautics). Would a missile system on the ground be sufficient to deflect incoming assuming that we had already created a space-based telescope to detect, and characterized over 99% of all NEO's potentially hazardous the the survival of Earth. I understand this issue may not seem pressing at the moment, but if we were to send up a telescope and release a new initiative to detect asteroids could we negotiate with the world an effective missile defense plan, where money and passage in Congress/the Executive was not a concern. Additionally, what would be other implications of creating such a system?

ANSWER: Hi Rahul,
We already have a space telescope up there looking for any NEO's; WISE (widefield Infrared Survey Explorer), plus a whole battery of equipment at LINEAR and then there is the NEAR program also.
See... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Near_Earth_Asteroid_Reconnaissance_Project
As far as defenses, a missile is not the only answer to incoming asteroids; sometimes that can even make things worse off. Sometimes it's best to do nothing, and just accept a near-miss.
Considering the extremely small odds of a major strike, I think we're doing enough already... no known NEO is coming very close until asteroid Apophis in April 2029, and even that is supposed to be a 20,000 mile near miss.
Under today's poor economies around the world, just be happy that we are doing what we are doing.
This is not the time to be asking for... even more money for extraneous programs with a 10% or more world wide unemployment scenerio.  This administration doesn't even want to fund NASA anymore... they prefer 6 more days per year of food stamps and welfare payments instead of a viable NASA program.  
Just my opinion.
Clear Skies,
Tom Whiting
Erie, PA

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the response Tom,
I suppose I agree with you that fiscally, it might be seem irresponsible to spend money on a seemingly needless ground/space based ballistic missile defense system, but, it seems like the seeming benefits are worth it. Additionally it seems like a relatively cheap premium to pay from things like a strike from  Near Earth Object in addition to nuclear weapons here. Opinion? Is there a alternate, cheaper more effective method of deflection you would recommend in place of a BMD system?

Aside from that I would like to address the first part of your response about detection and characterization efforts. It seems that although current efforts exist there isn't a fantastically coordinated effort to detect/characterize the asteroids. Would you agree? In your opinion, what do you think could be done to assist with the process by the United States? Again this is assuming money/politics are irrelevant ( I know this may seem strange but this is a purely objective inquiry ).
Thank you in advance !

Answer
Do you mean "fantastically" or... fanatical?  i think we, the USA, are doing enough on this subject.  However, if you prefer a more fantastically  "coordinated" system, why not invoke the UN?  After all, aren't they supposed to be in the business of worldwide protection, instead of the corrupt "oil for food" programs or running around raping African women with their so-called "peace" programs?  So let the UN do it, in fact I believe they've already started, see
http://secureworldfoundation.blogspot.com/2009/04/neo-conference-copuos-action-t
There is your "coordinated" system right there. And while you're at it, why not get the UN moved to Iceland, Greenland, or Switzerland while you're at it?  Get them off the USA soil while you're at it.  They don't do the USA any favors anyway... just another expensive extraneous program that us
USA taxpayers are burdened with.
Thanks ahead of time for getting the UN off USA soil,
Tom