Near-Earth Object Coordination Centre
ESA’s Near-Earth Object Coordination Centre (NEOCC) is a core element of the Agency’s Planetary Defence Office.
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Based at ESRIN in Frascati, Italy, the NEOCC is the central access point to an entire network of European near-Earth object data sources and information providers.
Every day, the coordination centre uses this information, gathered from across the globe, to provide orbital information, impact monitoring, data provision and risk analysis.
Its aim is to contribute to and coordinate observations of small bodies in the Solar System – such as asteroids and comets – to evaluate and monitor the threat posed by those that come near Earth, and propose mitigation measures if needed, (for example to emergency response agencies in case of an imminent impact).
The Coordination Centre is also the focus point for studies aiming to improve near-Earth object warning services, needed to give near-real-time data and alerts to European and international customers, including scientific bodies, international organisations and decision-makers.
ESA’s Planetary Defence Office is an integral part of the Agency’s Space Safety Programme, working to mitigate and prevent the impact of hazards from space, protecting our Pale Blue Dot, its inhabitants, and the vital infrastructures on which we have become so dependent.
In general, these hazards stem from possible collisions between objects in orbit, harmful space weather and potential strikes by natural objects, such as asteroids, that cross Earth’s orbit.
Visit the Near-Earth Object Coordination Centre website for more.
Contact
Richard Moissl
Head, Planetary Defence Office
ESA/ESRIN, Frascati, Italy
Tel: +39 337 141 3570
richard.moissl@esa.int
