NASA Dart Stream: A Milestone in Planetary Defense

The Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission is a groundbreaking endeavor by NASA aimed at exploring the effectiveness of intentionally crashing a spacecraft into an asteroid to change its course. This historic event marks a significant milestone in planetary defense, as scientists and engineers work together to mitigate potential threats from near-Earth objects.

Scheduled to launch on November 23, DART will impact Dimorphos, the smaller asteroid moonlet orbiting the larger asteroid Didymos. The mission is designed to test whether intentionally crashing a spacecraft into an asteroid can alter its trajectory. This experiment is crucial in understanding how asteroids respond to such impacts and developing strategies for deflecting potential threats.

The DART investigation team, led by Andy Rivkin of Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, consists of experts from NASA's Science Mission Directorate, the Italian Space Agency (ASI), and other international partners. Simone Pirrotta, project manager of Light Italian Cubesat for Imaging of Asteroids (LICIACube), will also join the briefing to discuss the mission's objectives.

The media are invited to ask questions during the investigation briefing, with details provided by 4 p.m. on November 22. The event is open to accredited media personnel only. A phone bridge will be available for each briefing, and participants can refer to NASA's media accreditation policy for teleconferences and onsite activities.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, all media participation in news conferences will be remote. The live launch coverage on NASA Television will begin at 12:30 a.m. on November 23, with prelaunch and science briefings starting on Sunday, November 21.

The DART spacecraft is designed to travel at a speed of approximately 15,000 miles per hour (24,000 kilometers per hour) and direct itself to impact the asteroid while maintaining its trajectory. The mission will help scientists determine whether intentionally crashing a spacecraft into an asteroid is an effective way to change its course.

With the Didymos system posing no actual threat to Earth, researchers can measure the change in Dimorphos' orbit using ground-based telescopes. This unique opportunity allows scientists to conduct extensive research on the asteroid's composition and behavior before and after the impact.

The DART press kit provides additional information on the mission, including details on the spacecraft's design, target asteroid, and scientific objectives. Media and the public can also refer to NASA's website for updates on the mission and live coverage of prelaunch and launch activities.

The Double Asteroid Redirection Test is a vital step forward in planetary defense, demonstrating humanity's ability to respond effectively to potential threats from near-Earth objects. As we continue to explore the vastness of space, missions like DART will play a crucial role in protecting our planet and ensuring the safety of future generations.

Nasa dart stream