SpaceGuard ( Space Development)

>From the ASF group intro
>(1) explain the asteroid/comet impact problem to the general
public;

I've wondered about this too; There are enough people who are
adamant in working to solve some 'problems' which are of even
smaller interest, that it should be possible to get interest in this
kind of thing -convince enough people that this is in fact a
relevant problem, and not hollywood hype alone.

>(2) detect all asteroids and comets in near Earth spaces that
are big enough to destroy a city;

Probably many millions, by some current estimates.

>(3) divert/destroy asteroids and comets found to be on an
Earth-impacting trajectory;

It's fairly clear that the only way to do this is to get a space
presence, which is pretty much indistinguishable from a space
resources development/utilization/colonization program. You've
got to be able to bring force to bear that is equally suitable to
mining asteroids.

>(4) build space settlements in GEO and space elevators so as
to provide an escape path from a gargantuan asteroid or comet
that is too big or discovered too late to divert or destroy.

from Leon Neihouse, spacesettlers # 1073
> The idea is that developing space in this manner will also
provide an escape path from the worst possible asteroid/comet
impact scenario.

The 'too late to divert/destroy' part should be scrapped. If it's
too late to divert/destroy a threat, it's too late to build space
colonies.
The suitability of the 'too big' part may be debateable. Enough of
a space infrastructure could emplace enough motors to do it,
even with a big one ("the size of Texas", as the line goes). Again,
if it's too late to do this big of a job, you're sunk. If you've
already got a large population in space colonies, they should be
able to bring adequate force to bear even on a big problem.

Your mandate is identical to many other space advocacy groups
out there: get a spacefaring civilization, preferrably ASAP. Aren't
you re-inventing the wheel, by starting a brand new group? Why
not a new chapter of the NSS, not based on geographical area,
but on this specific purpose?
Part of the SpaceGuard Foundation?
http://cfa-www.harvard.edu/~marsden/SGF/