‘Spacecraft Impact Alters Asteroid Permanently’

‘Spacecraft Impact Alters Asteroid Permanently’
‘Spacecraft Impact Alters Asteroid Permanently’

NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) proved successful in demonstrating the space agency’s capability to redirect potentially dangerous asteroids. The mission involved sending a vending machine-sized spacecraft to a binary asteroid system, where it collided with the moonlet Dimorphos, orbiting a larger asteroid named Didymos. The impact, which occurred on September 26, 2023, resulted in a 33-minute reduction in Dimorphos’ orbital time around Didymos, now completing one orbit in 11 hours and 23 minutes.

Researchers led by University of Bern scientist Sabina Raducan conducted high-level computer simulations following the impact, revealing that Dimorphos is a loose, rubble-pile asteroid. The collision caused global deformation, with interior material surfacing. Approximately 0.5% to 1% of Dimorphos’ mass was ejected, and 8% was redistributed throughout the asteroid.

Raducan noted that the findings shed light on the likely formation of Dimorphos through rotational mass shedding and re-accumulation from Didymos, contributing to the understanding of similar binary systems in the solar system. Additionally, the study suggests that small, rubble-pile asteroids like Dimorphos are efficient to deflect using the kinetic impactor technique for planetary defense. However, a reconnaissance mission would be necessary to accurately assess an asteroid’s properties before attempting deflection.