Throwback: When NASA’s DART Spacecraft Smashed Into an Asteroid | WATCH

On this day two years ago, NASA made history as its Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission successfully crashed a spacecraft into an asteroid, showcasing humanity's first step toward planetary defense through kinetic impact.This collision occurred on September 26, 2022, and was captured on video, providing scientists and the public with an unprecedented view of this groundbreaking experiment.According to NASA, the target of the DART mission was Dimorphos, a tiny moonlet orbiting the larger asteroid Didymos. As the spacecraft approached its target at a speed of 14,000 mph, it transmitted a series of detailed images back to NASA's servers on Earth.Check out the Video by NASA:All of these final moments were streamed live by NASA, allowing viewers from around the world to witness this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.#OTD two years ago, our #DARTMission impacted an asteroid (on purpose!), demonstrating one technique for #PlanetaryDefense. https://t.co/E114gEGOlP pic.twitter.com/mdjw5tT1fQ— NASA Solar System (@NASASolarSystem) September 26, 2024 The video footage shows DART’s camera view as it speeds toward Dimorphos, with the asteroid growing until it fills the frame. The final image, taken seconds before impact, reveals a rocky, irregular surface before the feed cuts out.After the collision, a global network of telescopes observed the Didymos-Dimorphos system and found that DART successfully altered Dimorphos' orbit by 32 minutes—surpassing NASA’s minimum goal by a factor of 25.This mission represents a major step forward in planetary defense, demonstrating that we can intentionally change an asteroid’s trajectory. DART’s success not only enhances our capabilities but also boosts interest in asteroid research and planetary defense.

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Throwback: When NASA’s DART Spacecraft Smashed Into an Asteroid | WATCH

NASA's DART mission successfully impacted Dimorphos, altering its orbit by 32 minutes, marking a significant advancement in planetary defense strategies.

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