Accession Number:

AD1029734

Title:

The U.S. Response to NEOS: Avoiding a Black Swan Event

Descriptive Note:

Technical Report

Corporate Author:

Naval Postgraduate School Monterey United States

Personal Author(s):

• Dixon,Candice K.

Report Date:

2016-09-01

Pagination or Media Count:

85.0

Abstract:

Near Earth Objects NEOs present one of the greatest threats to Earth, but currently there is no U.S. or international response and mitigation strategy in place for a NEO impact. This thesis examines case studies from two other high impact low probability HILP eventsearthquakes and volcanoeswith the intent of applying lessons learned to the formulation of a NEO mitigation strategy. The case studies include domestic and international examples, offering insights into the critical areas of education and training, infrastructure, and communications. Considering the destructiveness of the threat, it would be in the best interests of global leaders to develop a NEO strategy that uses best response practices from these other events. This thesis recommends the use of an early warning system, greater involvement of leadership, and crowdsourcing ideas beyond the public sector.

Descriptors:

• Space objects
• international relations
• space situational awareness
• department of homeland security
• first responders
• air transportation
• civil aviation
• department of state
• case studies
• early warning systems
• explosions
• jet propulsion
• mobile phones
• natural disasters
• nuclear weapons
• social media

Subject Categories:

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE