Through this test, NASA will assess whether it is possible to alter the trajectory of a hypothetical dangerous asteroid by crashing a ship into it.
NASA has revealed the date on which it will carry out the DART mission , which aims to change the course of a hypothetical dangerous asteroid that approaches Earth by hitting a spacecraft against it.
The space agency also announced that it will broadcast the entire operation live, which will be of vital importance to test the planetary defense technology that it has been developing for some time.
Through a statement published on its official website, NASA confirmed that the DART mission can be tuned in through its main digital channels. The transmissions will not only include the final operation – that is, the impact of the ship against the Dimorphos asteroid – but will also include informative rounds in which the agency will explain the entire process behind the operation.
NASA will test its space defense technology
Although Dimorphos , the asteroid with which NASA will crash its DART spacecraft , does not pose any danger to the integrity of human beings on Earth , what the agency is looking for is to test whether one of these vehicles can be used to alter the trajectory of Earth . a potentially dangerous celestial body for the planet with its impact before it can cause damage.
NASA notes that, if all goes according to plan, the DART mission ” will demonstrate that a spacecraft can autonomously navigate to a target asteroid and intentionally collide with it to change the asteroid’s motion in a way that can be measured using telescopes.” terrestrial” .
In addition, the agency adds that this operation will provide “important data to help better prepare for an asteroid that could pose an impact hazard to Earth , should it ever be discovered . “
How to watch NASA’s DART mission live?
If you’re interested in being a viewer of NASA ‘s DART mission , you’ll be able to see an update on the operation through the agency’s main Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts . The schedule for this mission is as follows:
- Monday, September 12: The agency will explain details about the DART mission such as the technology implemented in the spacecraft that allows autonomous navigation on wings of its impact on the target, the asteroid Dimorphos .
- Thursday, September 22 – NASA will hold a press briefing at its headquarters intended to provide a preview of DART ‘s final activities prior to its impact with asteroid Dimorphos .
- Monday, September 26 – DART impact day against asteroid Dimorphos .