Should the USAF Be Involved in Planetary Defense

Should the USAF Be Involved in Planetary Defense
Author: U. S. Air U.S. Air Force Air Command and Staff College
Publisher: CreateSpace
Total Pages: 42
Release: 2014-06-05
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 9781499776652
GET BOOK

Download Should the USAF Be Involved in Planetary Defense Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle

Should the United States Air Force take in the nation's stance on planetary defense? Planetary defense in this paper means protecting the planet and therefore our nation from the impact of large Near Earth Objects (NEOs). This topic is usually relegated to the realm of science fiction movies and books but the consequences of such an impact are too great to ignore and simply dismissing it as impossible. Before addressing the role of the United States Air Force in such project, the problem of a NEO impact is analyzed. First, the paper analyzes the problem itself and discusses the probability that a NEO large enough to cause damage will impact the earth. There is discussion of past NEO impacts during the earth's history and the craters that leave us tell tale signs of these impacts that we can gather data from. Secondly, the effects and consequences of a NEO impact are discussed. This shows the reader how even though the probability may be low, the consequences are so high that we mush take a possible NEO impact as a serious matter. The paper then discusses how to predict and prevent an impact. In this chapter there is discussion on what the U.S. and other governments are currently doing to prepare for such an impact. We look at how many objects are cataloged that could possibly strike the earth in the near future and what we're currently doing to give the earth advance warning. Also discussed are possible options to prevent an impact once a NEO is discovered to be on a collision course with the earth. Finally the problem solution method is used to analyze what U.S. government agencies should have a role in planetary defense, including those that are already contributing or those that do not have a role. The conclusion reached is that the United States Air Force should play an increasing role in planetary defense. The Air Force possesses unique tracking, weapon and space launch capabilities that could greatly aid in the development of a formalized planetary defense system fielded by the U.S. government.

Should the United States Air Force be Involved in Planetary Defense

Should the United States Air Force be Involved in Planetary Defense
Author: Brent W. Borchers
Publisher:
Total Pages: 42
Release: 2009
Genre: Asteroids
ISBN:
GET BOOK

Download Should the United States Air Force be Involved in Planetary Defense Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle

"This paper analyzes what role, if any, should the United States Air Force take in the nation's stance on planetary defense. Planetary defense in this paper means protecting the planet and therefore our nation from the impact of large Near Earth Objects (NEOs). This topic is usually relegated to the realm of science fiction movies and books but the consequences of such an impact are too great to ignore and simply dismissing it as impossible. Before addressing the role of the United States Air Force in such project, the problem of a NEO impact is analyzed."--Abstract.

The U.S. Air Force in Space, 1945 to the Twenty-First Century: Proceedings

The U.S. Air Force in Space, 1945 to the Twenty-First Century: Proceedings
Author: Air Force Historical Foundation. Symposium
Publisher: Department of the Air Force
Total Pages: 216
Release: 1998-09-02
Genre: History
ISBN:
GET BOOK

Download The U.S. Air Force in Space, 1945 to the Twenty-First Century: Proceedings Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle

Contains papers presented at the Air Force Historical Foundation Symposium, held at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, on September 21-22, 1995. Topics addressed are: Pt. 1, The Formative Years, 1945-1961; Pt. 2, Mission Development and Exploitation Since 1961; and Pt. 3, Military Space Today and Tomorrow. Includes notes, abbreviations & acronyms, an index, and photographs.

Planetary Defense: Catastrophic Health Insurance for Planet Earth

Planetary Defense: Catastrophic Health Insurance for Planet Earth
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 78
Release: 1996
Genre:
ISBN:
GET BOOK

Download Planetary Defense: Catastrophic Health Insurance for Planet Earth Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle

Concern exists among an increasing number of scientists throughout the world regarding the possibility of a catastrophic event caused by an impact of a large earth crossing object (ECO) on the Earth Moon System (EMS), be it an asteroid or comet. Such events, although rare for large objects (greater than 1 kilometer diameter), are not unprecedented. collectively as a global community, no current viable capability exists to defend the EMS against a large ECO, leaving its inhabitants vulnerable to possible death and destruction of untold proportion and even possible extinction of the human race. In this regard, a planetary defense system (PDS) capability should be resourced, developed and deployed. At this time Planetary Defense is not an assigned or approved mission of the Department of Defense or the Air Force.

The Case for Space

The Case for Space
Author: U. S. Military
Publisher:
Total Pages: 96
Release: 2019-09-05
Genre:
ISBN: 9781691086689
GET BOOK

Download The Case for Space Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle

This paper examines the USAF role in managing space and makes recommendations for the future of space in the United States military. Though it echoes specific recommendations made elsewhere by previous authors, the main purpose of this paper is to consider a legislative framework required to sever space from Air Force oversight, and to establish a separate United States Space Force (USSF) under the Department of Defense. The paper begins by examining the historical evolution and fractured history of space in the United States government's bureaucratic machine. Next, this paper looks at multiple reports calling for changes in space leadership and oversight, and the inability to effect meaningful change, evaluating the need for an independent Space Force. It then discusses the various roles and missions an independent space force would assume. Finally, it discusses the legal framework necessary to establish a USSF and analyzes a legislative proposal. Though this paper advocates for standing up a separate USSF, the true value of this paper is the legislation proposed in Appendix 2, and the analysis of that proposal herein. Simply considering the specific recommendations in that enabling legislation is beneficial should the United States move toward establishing a USSF.This compilation includes a reproduction of the 2019 Worldwide Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community.The similarities between child in need of care cases and the current United States Air Force (USAF) oversight of national security space are unfortunately striking. The Air Force has been unable to properly care for space, and like the removal of the Air Force from the purview of the United States Army in 1947, removing space from Air Force management and oversight may be in the best interests of both parent and child. Congress and the Department of Defense (DOD) gave the Air Force a "parenting plan" of sorts, and for years the Air Force has failed to make significant progress on that plan and demonstrated an inability to complete that plan successfully. Time has run out, and the best interest of space dictates removal from the USAF. "Space is a war-fighting domain, just like the land, air, and sea... we have the Air Force, we'll have the Space Force." President Trump's words reflect the ever-growing reality that the character of warfare is changing. Much like the air domain from the end of World War I through World War II, space has emerged and evolved as a war-fighting domain. Rather than the supporting role space served up to this point, warfare in the future is likely to extend or even begin within the space domain. Additionally, as the burgeoning commercial space economy continues to grow, so too will the need for security and protection of lines of commerce grow. Unfortunately, the current USAF construct is ill equipped to meet and overcome the challenges presented by such a change in the character of war, and a new dynamic is necessary.This paper examines the USAF role in managing space and makes recommendations for the future of space in the United States military. Though it echoes specific recommendations made elsewhere by previous authors, the main purpose of this paper is to consider a legislative framework required to sever space from Air Force oversight, and to establish a separate United States Space Force (USSF) under the DOD. The paper begins by examining the historical evolution and fractured history of space in the United States government's bureaucratic machine. Next, this paper looks at multiple reports calling for changes in space leadership and oversight, and the inability to effect meaningful change without creating an independent USSF.

The Air Force Law Review

The Air Force Law Review
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 256
Release: 2000
Genre: Air Force law
ISBN:
GET BOOK

Download The Air Force Law Review Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle

The Air Force Role in Developing International Outer Space Law - Space Law Debates, Project West Ford, Legal Concepts

The Air Force Role in Developing International Outer Space Law - Space Law Debates, Project West Ford, Legal Concepts
Author: Air University Press
Publisher:
Total Pages: 86
Release: 2017-03-07
Genre:
ISBN: 9781520778228
GET BOOK

Download The Air Force Role in Developing International Outer Space Law - Space Law Debates, Project West Ford, Legal Concepts Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle

The impact of the US defense and space initiatives on bilateral and multilateral treaties and on international outer space law in general, a topic of much current discussion, is better understood by an analysis of the development of that body of law. Col Delbert "Chip" Terrill Jr. discusses its early evolution and the Air Force contribution to it. He describes the Air Force's ad hoc approach to international outer space law and its efforts to have this approach adopted by the United States and the international community.Further, the author details the profound impact that the surprise attack at Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941 had on President Dwight D. Eisenhower. He vowed never again to allow the US to be similarly vulnerable to a surprise attack, particularly in a nuclear environment. As part of his efforts to preclude a surprise attack on the United States, Eisenhower sought to establish the concept of free passage of intelligence gathering satellites as part of accepted international outer space law. The author traces how the Eisenhower administration demonstrated a lack of concern about being first in space so long as the concept of free passage in outer space was universally accepted. However, the administration apparently and clearly underestimated the propaganda value that being first would have. Colonel Terrill traces how the Eisenhower administration failed to fully communicate its policy goal of achieving such free passage to the uniformed services. Although civilian leaders in the Defense Department were aware of the administration's position, the Air Force and the other military services at times acted at cross purposes to the concept of free passage.Chip Terrill describes the Air Force's continued efforts to resist the passage of most international outer space law conventions, the restiveness of the Air Force judge advocate general (JAG) corps with a backseat role, and how the JAG generally failed in its early attempt to have the Air Force become proactive in the development of the law. Ironically, Terrill illustrates how the Air Force's ad hoc approach essentially dovetailed with Eisenhower's goal of free passage. Colonel Terrill relates how the Air Force's Project West Ford caused the passage of certain environmentally sensitive provisions of international outer space law.The author closes by examining the comment and coordination process leading to the passage of the Liability for Damages Convention. Such was typical of the Air Force's lukewarm, reactive posture regarding the passage of international conventions, except for the Agreement on Rescue and Return of Astronauts, which the Air Force strongly supported.In short, this superb work documents the interesting gestation period regarding the development of international outer space law. It will undoubtedly contribute to the development of Air Force doctrine by providing a better understanding of the Air Force's involvement in the development of international outer space law.Contents: Chapter 1 * Germination of Outer Space as a Legal Concept; Chapter 2 * Air Force Opposition to International Conventions on Space; Chapter 3 * Air Force as a Backseat "Driver" in Space Law Debates; Chapter 4 * Project West Ford; Chapter 5 * Major General Albert M. Kuhfeld and Air Force Leadership of Space Law Development; Chapter 6 * The 1972 Liability for Damages Convention

The Air Force Role in Developing International Outer Space Law

The Air Force Role in Developing International Outer Space Law
Author: Delbert R. Terrill, Jr.
Publisher: Createspace Independent Pub
Total Pages: 120
Release: 2012-08-06
Genre: Law
ISBN: 9781478379805
GET BOOK

Download The Air Force Role in Developing International Outer Space Law Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle

The impact of the US defense and space initiatives on bilateral and multilateral treaties and on international outer space law in general, a topic of much current discussion, is better understood by an analysis of the development of that body of law. Col Delbert “Chip” Terrill Jr. discusses its early evolution and the Air Force contribution to it. He describes the Air Force's ad hoc approach to international outer space law and its efforts to have this approach adopted by the United States and the international community. Further, the author details the profound impact that the surprise attack at Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941 had on President Dwight D. Eisenhower. He vowed never again to allow the US to be similarly vulnerable to a surprise attack, particularly in a nuclear environment. As part of his efforts to preclude a surprise attack on the United States, Eisenhower sought to establish the concept of free passage of intelligence gathering satellites as part of accepted international outer space law. The author traces how the Eisenhower administration demonstrated a lack of concern about being first in space so long as the concept of free passage in outer space was universally accepted. However, the administration apparently and clearly underestimated the propaganda value that being first would have. Colonel Terrill traces how the Eisenhower administration failed to fully communicate its policy goal of achieving such free passage to the uniformed services. Although civilian leaders in the Defense Department were aware of the administration's position, the Air Force and the other military services at times acted at cross purposes to the concept of free passage. Chip Terrill describes the Air Force's continued efforts to resist the passage of most international outer space law conventions, the restiveness of the Air Force judge advocate general (JAG) corps with a backseat role, and how the JAG generally failed in its early attempt to have the Air Force become proactive in the development of the law. Ironically, Terrill illustrates how the Air Force's ad hoc approach essentially dovetailed with Eisenhower's goal of free passage. Colonel Terrill relates how the Air Force's Project West Ford caused the passage of certain environmentally sensitive provisions of international outer space law. The author closes by examining the comment and coordination process leading to the passage of the Liability for Damages Convention. Such was typical of the Air Force's lukewarm, reactive posture regarding the passage of international conventions, except for the Agreement on Rescue and Return of Astronauts, which the Air Force strongly supported. In short, this superb work documents the interesting gestation period regarding the development of international outer space law. It will undoubtedly contribute to the development of Air Force doctrine by providing a better understanding of the Air Force's involvement in the development of international outer space law.

Legal Aspects of Planetary Defence

Legal Aspects of Planetary Defence
Author: Irmgard Marboe
Publisher: BRILL
Total Pages: 458
Release: 2021-09-27
Genre: Law
ISBN: 9004467602
GET BOOK

Download Legal Aspects of Planetary Defence Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle

Impacts by asteroids or comets on Earth may lead to natural disasters of catastrophic dimensions. This book addresses legal and policy aspects of ‘planetary defence’ activities by space agencies and other actors aiming at the prediction and mitigation of Near-Earth Objects (NEOs).

Continuing Kepler's Quest

Continuing Kepler's Quest
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 82
Release: 2012-09-06
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0309261457
GET BOOK

Download Continuing Kepler's Quest Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle

In February 2009, the commercial communications satellite Iridium 33 collided with the Russian military communications satellite Cosmos 2251. The collision, which was not the first recorded between two satellites in orbit-but the most recent and alarming-produced thousands of pieces of debris, only a small percentage of which could be tracked by sensors located around the world. In early 2007, China tested a kinetic anti-satellite weapon against one of its own satellites, which also generated substantial amounts of space debris. These collisions highlighted the importance of maintaining accurate knowledge, and the associated uncertainty, of the orbit of each object in space. These data are needed to predict close approaches of space objects and to compute the probability of collision so that owners/operators can decide whether or not to make a collision avoidance maneuver by a spacecraft with such capability. The space object catalog currently contains more than 20,000 objects, and when the planned space fence radar becomes operational this number is expected to exceed 100,000. A key task is to determine if objects might come closer to each other, an event known as "conjunction," and the probability that they might collide. The U.S. Air Force is the primary U.S. government organization tasked with maintaining the space object catalog and data on all space objects. This is a complicated task, involving collecting data from a multitude of different sensors-many of which were not specifically designed to track orbiting objects-and fusing the tracking data along with other data, such as data from atmospheric models, to provide predictions of where objects will be in the future. The Committee for the Assessment of the U.S. Air Force's Astrodynamic Standards collected data and heard from numerous people involved in developing and maintaining the current astrodynamics standards for the Air Force Space Command (AFSPC), as well as representatives of the user community, such as NASA and commercial satellite owners and operators. Preventing collisions of space objects, regardless of their ownership, is in the national security interested of the United States. Continuing Kepler's Quest makes recommendations to the AFSPC in order for it to create and expand research programs, design and develop hardware and software, as well as determine which organizations to work with to achieve its goals.