Near-Earth Objects (NEO) and other current space threats

In: Security & defence quarterly, Band 28, Heft 1, S. 1-18

Abstract

The subject of the study are space threats – Near-Earth Objects (NEO) and Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHA). The research methods employed in this article included the classic theoretical methods used in security sciences and a practical method – a quantitative study of social media. At present, space threat studies aim to resolve the terminological confusion related to NEOs, determine currently and potentially hazardous space objects and estimate the potential threats they could cause. Another expected result of the research is to present two literature methods for estimating NEO threats, the Palermo and Torino scales. The practical result is to evaluate public mood regarding NEO threats. Studies have shown that certain active space objects are capable of reaching the Earth's surface or impacting human-made in-space objects and devices, such as communication satellites. Should it happen, it could cause substantial social damage and destabilise state security, particularly if elements of critical infrastructure of the state were to be affected. Continuous monitoring of NEOs may play a central role in the provision of security. Furthermore, the public should be kept abreast of the threats.