The Double Asteroid Redirection Test was able to transmit back its final moments before colliding with the asteroid Dimorphos in an attempt to change its trajectory.
Alex Wilkins is a writer.
The first ever real-world planetary defence mission was a success.
The science of supernovae Or Graur at New Scientist Live this OctoberThe Double Asteroid Redirection Test is an attempt to change the trajectory of a harmless asteroid, the 160-metre-wide asteroid Dimorphos, around its parent asteroid, Didymos. One day, we might be able to divert asteroids from hitting Earth.
The final image was taken at a distance of 12 kilometres. Part of the asteroid Dimorphos is shown in the picture.
The APL is a partnership between NASA and John'sHopkins.
The last moments of DART were recorded and beamed back to Earth at a rate of one picture per second. The rocky surface of Dimorphos was shown in the final images. Elena Adams said that the first planetary defence test was a success.
The explosion of dust and debris was captured by several professional and amateur telescopes. Clearer and more detailed images from a satellite that accompanied DART to Dimorphos should show up today.
According to initial calculations, DART finished its journey 17 metres off target. It will take weeks or months to find out if this was enough to change the duration of the mission to be considered a success. DART's engineers hope to change the position of the satellite within 10 minutes.
The European Space Agency wants to launch a craft called Hera in 2024 to record the aftermath of the impact.
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