They were tasked with finding cost effective ways of reducing the risk. They reviewed many options. All range in cost from about 200 million to 500 million with variations in performance mostly related to cost, but not always. It doesn't take much brain wattage to figure out why they didn't include a lunar based option. But you're right it's not absolute scientific proof - just common sense when combined with a minimal amount of launch cost knowledge let alone about 7 years of discussion on habitablezone/msnbc.
PANNSTARRS, LSST, and DCT are already underway with DCT fully funded and these address at least 90% of the threat down to 300m so the 200 to 500 million spaced based options listed above represent even less of a marginal return than assumed in the linked article. Still like the Venus orbit based system as an early warning option though. Unlike the lunar option it can detect objects coming our way from inside Earth's orbit and the other side of the moon.
Regards,
Mark
Space/Science » in reply to Careful...
Did You Read The Report?
The whole thread (30 posts)
- LSAM is no LM.
- Says it all really
- No it doesn't
- Not trying to start a war here...
- No it doesn't
- Says it all really