Early detection of earthquakes would be incredible, and it might not be such a far off discovery. Leaked information from NASA revealed plans to build a natural disaster avoidance system capable of prematurely detecting events like last month's earthquake in China's Sichuan province. The controversial memo reveals the satellites could be capable of detecting an earthquake as much as two weeks ahead of time.
If all goes to plan, the small satellites would be deployed in about two years time.
The image is of the Sichuan Quake:
This USGS map shows the epicenter and aftershock regions of the magnitude 7.9 earthquake that struck Sichuan province, China, on May 12, 2008.
Earthquake Detection via Satellite
NASA's Disaster Avoidance Plan
Trend Themes
1. Early Earthquake Detection - Leaked information from NASA reveals plans to build a natural disaster avoidance system capable of prematurely detecting earthquakes.
2. Satellite Monitoring - NASA is developing small satellites that will be deployed to detect natural disasters.
3. Preventative Disaster Response - Natural disaster avoidance systems like NASA's earthquake detection system could help to minimize damage and loss of life.
Industry Implications
1. Space Technology - NASA's development of small satellites for early detection of natural disasters could disrupt the space technology industry.
2. Disaster Management - Preventative disaster response systems like early earthquake detection could disrupt the disaster management industry.
3. Infrastructure Development - Early detection and prevention of natural disasters could disrupt the infrastructure development industry by changing how planners and developers approach construction and resource allocation.