Defense of Earth against large comets and asteroids

Increasing scientific evidence strongly supports the conclusion that the major extinctions in the history of life on earth were caused by the impact of large near-earth-orbit objects (NEOs) and that these impacts will continue. Although the annual likelihood of this threat from asteroids and comets is extremely low, the consequences are so disastrous they have no precedent in human history. An example of risk management methodology is applied to planetary defense. The conclusion is that present NEO detection programs should be intensified, NEOs should be characterized through rendezvous missions and that intercept systems studies should be undertaken. Additionally, several examples of technologies involving advanced applications of electrical engineering are identified for development in response to the planetary defense mission.