The impetus for piloted missions to NEOs (Near-Earth Object) is political, scientific, and pragmatic. In late 2006,
NASA’s Constellation Program sponsored a Phase 1 study to examine the feasibility of sending a piloted Orion
spacecraft to a NEO. More recently, the Augustine Commission delivered five options to the White House – three
of which include mission architectures to NEOs.
Prior to sending a human crew, a robotic precursor mission would be required. This would help increase crew
safety and optimize the efficiency of mission operations of the NEO mission. A possible piloted mission to an
NEO demonstrates the broad utility of the Orion vehicle and Ares launch systems. Historically, an NEO mission
would be a benchmark--the first human foray beyond the Earth-Moon system. Several such piloted NEO
missions would enable NASA to gain crucial long-duration, deep space operational experience (a feat not
accomplished since Apollo 17), as well as learn how to interact with the surface of these bodies. Such missions
would increase humanity’s knowledge and experience in many areas: the origin of the solar system, the diversion
of potentially hazardous objects, and the development of safe and reliable deep space operations. These factors
make piloted NEO missions an essential, incremental step between human Moon to Mars missions, while furthering
understanding of these primitive and potentially hazardous bodies.
NEOs Ho! The Asteroid Option
It
is very important that everyone make their reservations by the posted date.
For
dinner, $15/person
advance reservation or $20/person at the
door.
E-mail:
isledz@yahoo.com. or
phone:
440-333-7827.
Send check to Ingrid Sledz
c/o,
C.A.S.,
so that it reaches her by Friday,
January 1st:: 22283 Sunnyhill Dr. Rocky River, OH 44116
_______________________________________________________________________________________
.
CAS
January, 2010 Dinner Reservation
Name(s)
_______________________________________ No. For dinner ______Amount enclosed
for dinner: ___________
Phone ___________ E-mail if you want your newsletters sent in this way
______________________; MAKE SURE THAT YOU KEEP US NOTIFIED OF CHANGES IN YOUR
ADDRESSES _______________________________________
Thursday,
January 7, 2010 Meeting Announcement
6:15-7:00
p.m. - Get acquainted and
snacks
7:45-8:00 p.m. - Short Business Meeting
7:00-7:45 p.m. - Buffet Dinner (reservations
required) 8:00-9:00 p.m. - Featured Speaker
(Free to public)
Leonard
Krieger CanalWay Center
4524 East 49th Street (turn
onto Whittlesey Way to reach Center), Cuyahoga Heights (216-206-1000)
Speaker:
Dr.
Rob Landis
NASA
Ames Research Center and NASA Johnson Space Center
Chicken
Parmigianino / Rigatoni Marinara / California Medley
Yellow Fruit Jell-O / Green Salad with dressings / Garlic bread, Rolls and Butter
Brownies / Coffee, Decaf & Teas
Buffet
Dinner by Sally's Too
High School Teachers interested in bringing one
or two students, as our guests, please contact Bob Sledz, President, at
440-333-7827 or sledzbob@yahoo.com,
if possible two weeks or more prior to a scheduled
meeting date.
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