DART: Successful Deflection of an Asteroid by a Kinetic Impactor

Explore the groundbreaking NASA Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission in this comprehensive lecture by Dr. Derek Richardson from the University of Maryland. Delve into the successful impact of the DART spacecraft on Dimorphos, a small asteroid orbiting its larger companion, Didymos, which resulted in a significant 33-minute reduction in orbit period. Gain insights into the first-ever demonstration of using a kinetic impactor to alter a celestial body's orbit as a potential Earth protection strategy. Examine the crucial role of impact ejecta in enhancing the overall deflection effect. Learn about the upcoming ESA Hera spacecraft mission, scheduled to rendezvous with the Didymos system in 2027 for further assessment. Discover the motivation behind DART, mission highlights, and intriguing dynamics that emerged during mission preparation and post-impact analysis.