Rocks from space, like asteroids, have been hitting the Earth for a long time, but humans now have the ability to alter their cosmic destiny. The Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission, presented at AGU’s Fall Meeting 2022, aimed to deflect an asteroid using kinetic impactor technology. DART targeted the Didymos-Dimorphos asteroid system, which consists of two asteroids with similar compositions. The DART spacecraft successfully impacted Dimorphos, altering its orbit and shortening its orbital period. The impact produced a significant amount of ejecta, which was observed by ground- and space-based telescopes. The DART mission has provided valuable insights into asteroid deflection and the composition of binary asteroids.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asteroid deflection demonstration | From lack of asteroid deflection capability to proof of concept | Advancement in asteroid deflection technology and methods | Protecting Earth from potential asteroid impacts |
| Discovery of Dimorphos in Didymos system | From limited knowledge to understanding of asteroid system | Improved understanding of binary asteroid systems | Further study and exploration of binary asteroid systems |
| Successful impact of DART spacecraft on Dimorphos | From untested to proven asteroid deflection method | Wider use of kinetic impactor technology for asteroid deflection | Development of effective methods to prevent asteroid impacts |
| Ejecta produced by impact provides extra boost | From limited deflection to increased deflection | Enhanced ability to push potentially harmful asteroids out of the way | Increasing effectiveness of asteroid deflection methods |
| Plumelike configurations of ejecta shed by Dimorphos | From unknown to understanding surface features | Improved understanding of asteroid composition and morphology | Characterization and study of surface features of asteroids |
| Confirmation of similar compositions of Didymos and Dimorphos | From assumption to confirmation of binary asteroid composition | Greater understanding of binary asteroid systems and their composition | Further study and exploration of binary asteroid systems |
| Hera mission planned for further study of Didymos and Dimorphos | From limited knowledge to comprehensive study of asteroid system | In-depth exploration and study of asteroids and impact crater | Advancement in knowledge of asteroids and impact dynamics |