Public Health and Environmental Activities Concerning the NEOs
Spada, Mariagrazia
University of Rome "La Sapienza"

Several option for deflecting a threatening NEOs (Near Earth Objects) were presented; these options are in various states of maturity - some might be available within a few years, others might require decades of development and testing before they could be used to move an approaching object. The effect of nuclear explosions could potentially be tested using non nuclear means. Other deflection options, such as electric propulsion and laser ablation, have been proposed, but at current spending levels, many years would be required to develop these technologies to the point where they could be used for a NEOs deflection mission. The possibilities of launch failure, sensor failure, and off-nominal performance by satellite and deflection system, as well as uncertainties in the properties of the NEO, must be recognized and factored into the overall design of the mission. At present, there is no formal chain of responsibility for planetary defense.

The political dimension of security involves national organization and leadership that give a state the ability to manage its socio-economic system; and to function effectively among the family of nations, to protect its interests, to represent its values, and to cooperate, invest and trade internationally under acceptable terms. As the use of space has increased over the past 50 years, political activity has been a central factor in states' realization of the benefits of astronautical technologies. The institutional structures for cooperation in and joint use of space have multiplied rapidly. Traditional international regulatory functions have been modified to accommodate space activities. As space applications proliferate, states' interdependence and political interrelationships increase. Expanding interdependence of states at well levels of economic, social and industrial development involves constantly intensifying international political relations. At present, the major result of the increasing political relations involving civil uses of space has been increasing cooperation, internationalism, and greater interdependence among states for creation and delivery of important civil services.

Potential applications of existing and new projects to possible planetary defense use are not currently explored or encouraged. Programmes with the objective of protecting man and the environment from unacceptable consequences of the use of nuclear power involve activities in the following major areas: (1) assessments, (2) a proper management. (3) supporting measures.
The paper provides a description of the concerning complex organization.