NASA Conducts Earth’s First Planetary Defense Test Mission
In early October 2019, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) kicked off the first of its type, a planetary defense mission. Through NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART), the project hopes to better safeguard Earth from hazardous asteroids and other debris that orbit around our planet. The mission’s ultimate goal is to accurately ascertain if humanity is able to replicate an asteroid’s trajectory and lower the risk to Earth whenever such an event takes place.
What is the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) Mission?
The Double Asteroid Redirection Test Mission, or simply “DART”, is an exploration initiative conducted by NASA in an effort to independently assess the practicality of deflecting asteroids affected by Earth’s gravitational pull. The project is integrated with NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office, allowing for the agency to monitor, locate, and adequately respond to possible warnings about hazardous interstellar bodies.
Its main objective is to equip the agency with a mastery of interception-based asteroids that can affect Earth or its neighboring celestial objects at any given moment. To achieve this, DART seeks to alter the trajectory of the planetoid Didymos, or “Didymoon”, so it may pass safely by Earth.
For this purpose, NASA has crafted an unmanned vehicle capable of withstanding a hostile environment and executing a set of predetermined directives. DART utilizes the ability of an unconventional high-powered engine that is compatible with any kind of space operation.
How is the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) Mission Being Executed?
The spacecraft is propelled by a flyby propulsion system that is able to precisely direct its motion. It separates and utilizes thrust that, when combined with its software direction, can redirect the asteroid with a speed of 216 mph.
NASA has designed the craft with a mission control system that is wired with communications, navigation, and other critical components to ensure its successful completion. The project is equipped with an onboard test subject identification system that can detect surrounding objects in order to ensure accuracy of motion and allow for a higher success rate in altering the trajectory of the target body.
Before its launch, the spacecraft is tested for maximum efficiency through simulations that are conducted primarily in Florida. The spacecraft is also able to function in the vacuum of space by powering itself with a combination of materials and gathered solar energy.
Mission Duration
The mission began in mid-October of 2019 and is expected to last just over 2 years, concluding in the spring of 2021. As of November, it has reached its location and NASA technicians are conducting a thorough evaluation of the craft and its internal components.
Precision of Execution
The level of criticality necessitated by these types of operations requires a superior level of precision of which the mission adheres to. Even the slightest deviation could potentially lead to erroneous calculations and consequently, failure.
NASA exhausts a plethora of technological advancements in order to deliver a successful project. Such advancements include an onboard camera that rapidly gathers and transmits frame-by-frame data about what exists at any given time during a mission. Moreover, the onboard autonomous navigation system is a suite that comes with the craft. It serves as the key to controlling it and producing accurate calculations regardless of potential encumbrances. The navigation includes detecting and avoiding dangers, controlling motion, and maintaining the timeline of the mission.
Potential Applications and Its Benefit to Humanity
The crux of this mission is to simulate the aforementioned trajectory-changing situation in a realistic environment. If the mission if successful, it may be possible to implement the same set of measures on other endeavors both in space and on Earth.
In fact, diversion of an asteroid on a collision course to Earth is an invaluable initiative and a life-saving feat. The utilization of such technology can prove to be highly beneficial to humanity in times of disastrous events.
Agencies such as the United Nations, or UN, is mobilizing to further develop the idea and progress the program. Through a joint effort between the UN and NASA, it is possible to produce effective preliminary training for key personnel. Such competence allows for faster and more precise allocations of resources, which improves the chances of success and increases the number of lives that can be saved in the event of an impending catastrophe.
The Double Asteroid Redirection Test launches a new era in the realm of space exploration. This mission, alongside any future endeavors of a similar nature, present a monumental opportunity for humanity. DART, if successful, will grant us the capability to both protect ourselves and all other entities that revolve around us. While the mission has only just begun, all of us here at Earth are, hand picked members of the audience and are fully engaged, awaiting the exciting climax of events that it is set to unfold.
