NASA’s DART Spacecraft Successfully Collides with Near-Earth Asteroid Dimorphos

On November 24, 2021, NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) spacecraft successfully collided with a near-Earth asteroid called Dimorphos. The impact was so powerful that it reshaped the rock, causing it to derail from its original progression.

Dimorphos is an oblate asteroid, which means it is somewhat flattened or squished along one axis. This shape is likely due to its own rotation or gravitational effects. However, the impact from DART created a large crater in Dimorphos, altering it more than expected.

What is DART?

DART is a spacecraft designed to test the technology needed to deflect an asteroid that could potentially collide with Earth. The mission is a joint effort between NASA and the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL).

The spacecraft was launched on November 23, 2021, from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. It traveled for about 10 months before reaching Dimorphos.

Why Collide with an Asteroid?

Colliding with an asteroid may seem counterintuitive, but it is an important step in testing the technology needed to deflect an asteroid that could potentially collide with Earth. By colliding with an asteroid, scientists can study the impact and determine how much force is needed to alter its trajectory.

If an asteroid were to collide with Earth, it could have catastrophic consequences. By deflecting the asteroid’s trajectory, scientists can prevent a potential disaster.

What Happened During the Collision?

During the collision, DART slammed into Dimorphos at a speed of about 15,000 miles per hour. The impact created a large crater in the asteroid, altering its shape and trajectory.

Scientists were surprised by the extent of the alteration. The impact was so powerful that it caused Dimorphos to derail from its original progression. This means that the mission was a success, as it demonstrated that the technology needed to deflect an asteroid is feasible.

What’s Next?

Now that the mission is complete, scientists will continue to study the data collected during the collision. This data will help them better understand the impact and determine how much force is needed to deflect an asteroid.

The success of the DART mission is an important step in protecting Earth from potential asteroid impacts. By developing the technology needed to deflect an asteroid, scientists can prevent a potential disaster and ensure the safety of our planet.