NASA to Crash Spacecraft Into Asteroid to Deflect Its Path Later This Month


NASA is getting ready for its first planetary defense test, which involves crashing into an asteroid. The exercise will involve testing the agency's ability to detect and prevent a potential threat to Earth.

NASA to Crash Spacecraft Into Asteroid to Deflect Its Path Later This Month

  • The asteroid Dimorphous is about 525 feet wide. Scientists believe that by crashing into it, the impact will push the asteroid to deflect its path.
  • During the pandemic, engineers and scientists worked on the Deep Impact Test (DART) to develop new technologies for the spacecraft. One of these is the Next-C ion propulsion system.
  • On November 10, NASA engineers will transfer the spacecraft to the rocket's adapter. The rocket will then be transported to California's Vandenberg Air Force Base.The dinosaurs didn’t have space programs when an asteroid with their name hit Earth 65 million years ago.
  • In November 2022, NASA will launch a mission to study how to deflect an asteroid that's about to hit Earth. Dubbed as the Double Asteroid Redirection Test, the project will attempt to reposition itself to avoid hitting the planet.

  • The spacecraft will aim to hit Dimorphos at speeds of 6.5 kilometers per second, which is fast enough to change its course and deflect an asteroid.
  • Simulations have been conducted to study the effects of the impact on Dimorphos. These studies reveal the uncertainties regarding the effects on the structure of the dimorphos.

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