Contents
Chapter 711 · Near-earth objects
71101Reaffirmation of policy#
Congress reaffirms the policy set forth in section 20102(g) of this title (relating to surveying near-Earth asteroids and comets).
71102Requests for information#
The Administrator shall issue requests for information on—
(1)a low-cost space mission with the purpose of rendezvousing with, attaching a tracking device,1 and characterizing the Apophis asteroid; and
(2)a medium-sized space mission with the purpose of detecting near-Earth objects equal to or greater than 140 meters in diameter.
71103Developing policy and recommending responsible Federal agency#
Within 2 years after October 15, 2008, the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy shall—
(1)develop a policy for notifying Federal agencies and relevant emergency response institutions of an impending near-Earth object threat, if near-term public safety is at risk; and
(2)recommend a Federal agency or agencies to be responsible for—
(A)protecting the United States from a near-Earth object that is expected to collide with Earth; and
(B)implementing a deflection campaign, in consultation with international bodies, should one be necessary.
United States Government work; public domain under 17 U.S.C. § 105.