H
halman
Guest
<p>Is anyone aware of any discussion to launch an asteriod detection satellite anytime soon? I am talking about a vehicle with an infared sensor and a radio relay with Earth, to report the locations of echoes from the Inner System. This is the only way that we are going to be able to reliably establish the orbits of bodies moving between the Earth and the Sun. Such a mission could probably be accomplished for less than any of the current Mars probes, and would be incredibly informative about potential hazards from asteroids in the Inner System. We simply cannot see what is between us and the Sun well enough to know everything that is there.</p><p>I consider this to be the singularly most important possible space mission right now, because it may make a difference between being hit without any warning and being able to make some preparations to protect ourselves. </p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> The secret to peace of mind is a short attention span. </div>