The Planetary Defense Project integrates space-based, radar, radio, and optical facilities to enable coordinated detection and characterization of small bodies across the Solar System.
Currently available for passive radio sensing of asteroids, to determine object sizes and surface properties. In selected cases available for high-precision delay-Doppler tracking for near-Earth object follow-up, including orbit refinement and rotational constraints.
Supports rapid astrometric follow-up, occultation campaigns, and time-critical monitoring of newly detected targets.
Delivers high-cadence, precision photometry suitable for coordinated small-body detection and follow-up across multiple sites.
Extends observations to faint or distant objects with imaging and spectroscopy support in optical and near-infrared bands.
Access to these world-class observational facilities empowers us to make significant progress in understanding the distribution of small bodies in our Solar System and position policy makers to make informed decisions regarding the safety of our satellite network.
Expands discovery space for small and fast-moving objects, improving time-to-alert and handoff for follow-up observations.
Combines astrometric and radar measurements to reduce orbital uncertainty and refine impact probability estimates quickly.
Constrains size, albedo, rotation state, and composition to inform risk analysis and mission-level response planning.
Develops automated classification, prioritization, and multi-instrument integration pipelines for high-volume alert streams.