DART (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) was launched in November 2021 with plans to reach an asteroid known as Dimorphos which is not considered a threat to Earth.
Nasa wanted to find out whether intentionally crashing a spacecraft into an asteroid is an effective way to change its course, should an Earth-threatening asteroid be discovered in the future.
Nasa said that DART’s impact with Dimorphos demonstrated a viable mitigation technique for protecting the Earth.
“At its core, DART represents an unprecedented success for planetary defence, but it is also a mission of unity with a real benefit for all humanity,” said Nasa administrator Bill Nelson.
“As Nasa studies the cosmos and our home planet, we’re also working to protect that home and this international collaboration turned science fiction into science fact, demonstrating one way to protect Earth.”
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