§ 71101. Reaffirmation of policy

Congress reaffirms the policy set forth in section 20102(g) of this title (relating to surveying near-Earth asteroids and comets).

§ 71102. Requests for information

The Administrator shall issue requests for information on—

• (1) a low-cost space mission with the purpose of rendezvousing with, attaching a tracking device, 1 1 So in original. The comma probably should be preceded by “to”. and characterizing the Apophis asteroid; and
• (2) a medium-sized space mission with the purpose of detecting near-Earth objects equal to or greater than 140 meters in diameter.

§ 71103. Developing policy and recommending responsible Federal agency

Within 2 years after October 15, 2008 , the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy shall—

• (1) develop a policy for notifying Federal agencies and relevant emergency response institutions of an impending near-Earth object threat, if near-term public safety is at risk; and
• (2) recommend a Federal agency or agencies to be responsible for—
  • (A) protecting the United States from a near-Earth object that is expected to collide with Earth; and
  • (B) implementing a deflection campaign, in consultation with international bodies, should one be necessary.

§ 71104. Planetary radar

The Administrator shall maintain a planetary radar that is comparable to the capability provided through the Deep Space Network Goldstone facility of the Administration.