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SpaceX Secures Launch Deal for NASA's DART Asteroid Mission

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Chapter 1: Introduction to the DART Mission

The concern about a large asteroid potentially colliding with Earth is not a question of "if," but "when." In preparation for such an eventuality, NASA is proactively working on the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART). After several years of development, a launch date has finally been set following the contract awarded to SpaceX. DART is scheduled to embark on its mission in June 2021, utilizing a Falcon 9 rocket.

DART is part of NASA’s initiative focused on planetary defense and is being developed at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. A key strategy in deflecting an asteroid involves using a kinetic impactor. By striking an asteroid with a heavy and fast object, scientists hope to alter its trajectory to avoid a collision. Despite recent missions that have provided closer insights into asteroids, there is still much to learn. DART's objective is to better understand how asteroids will react when impacted kinetically.

Section 1.1: Cost Efficiency of the Mission

The partnership between NASA and SpaceX is notably cost-effective. The agency will incur a total expense of just $61 million, encompassing all necessary support and services. This figure is considerably lower compared to similar missions. For instance, a SpaceX launch for the Sentinel-6A satellite, which took place in late 2020, cost NASA around $97 million.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Target: Didymos

Falcon 9 rocket prepared for DART mission launch

The mission will utilize a refrigerator-sized impactor aimed at a binary asteroid system known as Didymos. This system consists of two entities that orbit each other: Didymos A, which measures approximately 2,600 feet (800 meters) in diameter, and Didymos B, often referred to as Didymoon, which is about 560 feet (170 meters) across. The planned launch in 2021 allows the ion-thruster-equipped DART ample opportunity to reach Didymos A and B as they come within a few million miles of Earth in October 2022.

Section 1.2: The Collision Dynamics

The impactor is designed to collide with Didymos B at a velocity exceeding six kilometers per second. This high-speed impact will transfer significant kinetic energy to the smaller asteroid, enabling scientists to assess the impact's effects by observing changes in its orbit.

DART mission trajectory towards Didymos

While it's unlikely that Didymoon will be sent into deep space, the ideal scenario would involve a detectable change in its orbit. Such an outcome would suggest that kinetic impactors could serve as an effective means of asteroid deflection. However, it’s also plausible that Didymoon could deform upon impact, absorbing much of the kinetic energy, which would necessitate exploring alternative strategies for asteroid redirection.

Chapter 2: Video Resources

To gain a deeper understanding of the DART mission, check out the following videos:

NASA DART - SpaceX Falcon 9 Launches Asteroid Impact Mission

This video covers the details surrounding NASA's DART mission and the role of SpaceX in launching it.

Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) Mission

This video delves into the specifics of the DART mission, showcasing its objectives and significance in planetary defense.

Originally published at www.extremetech.com on April 15, 2019.

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