Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2002
Abstract
This Note uses the threat of collisions of large space bodies with the Earth as a vehicle to investigate the legal duties of nations to participate in collective efforts at megadisaster mitigation. Asteroids and comets are space bodies while meteors occupy a less-threatening category. Although they differ in chemical composition and in visibility to the naked eye, large space bodies can endanger multiple nations simultaneously. Space bodies are ideal topics of investigation because the magnitude of the threats they pose is inestimable. Legal obligations to mitigate Earth impacts apply equally well to other infrequent threats that are currently of the lowest priority among disaster response personnel.
Recommended Citation
87 Iowa L. Rev. 1091 (2002).