In January 2000, following discussions in Parliament and approaches
from members of the public, the Government announced the setting up of
a Task Force on Potentially Hazardous Near Earth Objects.
Dr
Harry Atkinson, formerly of the Science and Engineering Research
Council (SERC) and former Chairman of the European Space Agency's
Council, was invited to lead the Task Force. He was assisted by Sir
Crispin Tickell, British diplomat, and Professor David Williams, former
President of the Royal Astronomical Society.
The Task Force
was invited to make proposals to the Government on how the United
Kingdom should best contribute to international effort on Near Earth
Objects, and to advise the Government on what further action to take. |
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