DART Mission Marks Milestone in Planetary Defense Against Asteroids
NASA’s DART mission has revolutionized planetary defense by successfully demonstrating asteroid deflection capabilities. Launched in 2021, DART’s collision with Dimorphos on September 26, 2022, marks a significant step in safeguarding Earth from potential asteroid impacts. Experts emphasize the need for improved detection technologies and global collaboration to enhance our planetary defense systems.
Experts Discuss Hypothetical Asteroid Threat in Table-Top Simulation
A table-top simulation involving asteroid experts, NASA workers, and international partners highlighted the potential threat of a massive asteroid with a 72% chance of colliding with Earth in 14 years. With thousands of ‘near-Earth objects’ still unidentified, the exercise emphasized the need for ongoing preparedness and vigilance to protect the planet from catastrophic impacts.