By: Vadim Simonenko at the Russian Federal Nuclear Cen

Following is information provided by Vadim Simonenko concerning the Space Shield Foundation (SSF). This organization, announced at the SPE-96 meeting in September, is a totally private Foundation organized in Russia but with international participation.

The goals of the Foundation are to promote:

1. Progress in understanding the influence of impacts of asteroids and comets (NEOs) upon the evolution of the earth, planetary geology, terrestrial climate, the atmosphere and the biosphere

2. Study of the potential danger of NEO impacts of global and regional scales for humankind and civilization

3. Progress in the astronomical study of NEOs and dissemination of knowledge about them

4. Support for development of groundbased astronomical and radar observational programs and associated technology for NEO studies

5. Effective use of space exploration missions and other programs for the physical study of asteroids and comets

6. Development of the technology for space missions to comets and asteroids including precise navigation programs

7. Development of technology for probing the physical and chemical nature of asteroids and comets including performance of experiments from space vehicles

8. Study and eventual development of technology for protection against NEOs that threaten the safety of the earth

9. Development of national and international programs to investigate NEOs and deal with possible protection systems.

The main purpose of the SSF is to spread knowledge and education in the above-mentioned fields, and to interact with governmental structures and international organizations. The specific programs on hazard analysis, identification of NEOs, and planetary protection need to be worked out and implemented by national and international organizations in accordance with existing and future legislative regulations and treaties.

Among the proposed activities of the Space Shield Foundation is the publication (in Russian and English) of a professional journal to provide an opportunity to promote scientific and technological education and to provide reliable scientific information in the fields of NEO studies and planetary protection to the news media and the public. The journal will also enhance the professional level of research in these fields.

For additional information please contact Vadim Simonenko at the Russian Federal Nuclear Center, Institute of Technical Physics

sva@sva.ch70.chel.su

For those of you who are fans of the book "Rain of Iron and Ice" by John Lewis (and I am among them), note that the companion book, called "Mining the Sky", is now out from Addison Wesley. It's a popular cut at space resource utilization, complete with advice on how to make your first billion dollars.

David Morrison