Unite the world in an effort to ward off future threats from
asteroids. I think all the effort and
expense now spent on war, vengeance, turf battles and other violent activities
should be spent on the space effort, which would include an elaborate setup
designed to protect the planet from future asteroid hits.
Financial enticements from possible mining strikes on other
planets or asteroids could result in huge profits for entrepreneurs, working out
there with national government sponsored businesses. A new source of metals and minerals could
transform the economy. Freefall
businesses like the molecular construction of new compounds, hydroponics,
aquaculture and other life support could aid the construction of the watching
stations and the interception equipment.
We are not so primitive that we do not have the capability to stand
watch over our home.
Now that we know the danger is real, it is imperative that
we get started on the project now. I
suggest a symposium of politicians and scientists to discuss the feasibility of
ideas, project costs and location of the major assemblage and launch
areas. I believe that all nations must
be involved, even the 'renegade' nations.
This has to be a worldwide project designed to protect the whole
world.
Project costs must be shared and the resultant employment
should reflect the portion of the project costs contributed. If the USA contributes x of the cost of the
project, then the USA gets that much employment. This would encourage the nations to
contribute. Private entrepreneurship is
needed on the supply side, the mining interests, and other commercial
possibilities.
We as a species can protect our world. Scientists think an asteroid exterminated the
dinosaurs but I know we have more sense than to allow it to happen to us. Let us unite in the face of adversity and
create a web of early warning protection around our planet. Just think of all the positive outcomes from
an investment in outer space infrastructure:
·
employment
·
investment
opportunities
·
development
of new technologies
·
satellite
maintenance programs
·
protection
of the planet
·
cooperation
among nations
·
national
investment
·
new
mineral resources
I call for
an international meeting to discuss the need for an early warning system and asteroid
deflection mechanism to protect the Earth.
