IAA Planetary Defense Conference

From April 29 to May 3rd Washington will be hosting the 6th IAA Planetary Defense Conference, a biennial event organized by the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA).

The IAA’s threefold remit is:

• To foster the development of astronautics for peaceful purposes.
• To recognize individuals who have distinguished themselves in a branch of science or technology related to astronautics.
• To provide a program through which the membership can contribute to international endeavors and cooperation in the advancement of aerospace science.

This conference brings together world experts to discuss the threat to Earth posed by asteroids and comets and actions that might be taken to deflect a threatening object. As in previous conferences this year’s includes the holding of a hypothetical asteroid impact scenario, which may then be taken as the cue for conference papers and presentations. Although this scenario is realistic in many ways, it is completely fictional and does not describe an actual potential asteroid impact.

As well as presenting a paper on the planetary defense mission HERA, GMV is also again sponsoring the student prize. Moreover, Mariella Graziano GMV’s flight segment and robotics manager, will be chairing the lecture held under the title of “Issues Affecting Decision to Act”.