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Next: Space-Based Telescopes for Asteroids?
By Michael Paine
Special to SPACE.com
posted: 07:17 pm ET
26 April 2000
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Space Telescopes Several scientists have pointed out limitations to the observation of asteroids and comets using only Earth-based telescopes, but Japanese and European scientists are offering a solution. Without the atmosphere's glare, a telescope based on the moon or elsewhere in space could search the region between Earth and the Sun, says the Japan Spaceguard Association. Infrared detectors on space-based telescopes would be better at determining the physical properties of asteroids and comets than ground-based equipment. A consortium of European scientists also has proposed a space-based telescope called Spaceguard. 1. The project recently missed out on being selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) for a low-budget "flexi-mission." "It is encouraging that the ESA Working Group that selected the missions recognized the wide intrinsic interest of our mission [the risk to the planet]," said Alberto Cellino, a consortium member. "We will continue to explore all the possibilities to develop this space-based observatory." Don Yeomans of NASA's NEO (Near-Earth Object) office said he is unaware of any U.S. plans to launch a space telescope to look for asteroids and comets. But he said space-based telescopes already up could contribute. "Space-based surveys in the optical and infrared will observe countless asteroids," he said, "whether they wish to or not. And perhaps this is the most cost-effective method for space-based near-Earth asteroid research -- to ride on the coattails of programs designed for observing objects other than NEOs."
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