NASA successfully crashed a spacecraft into a asteroid Monday in a test to determine if current technology could divert such objects’ path.
While the asteroid of football-stadium size was not considered a threat, the BBC World test carried out by CNN, Discovery, and BBC World was an important milestone in planetary defense capabilities.
NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test took place at 4:15 PM PT. A NASA control room in Laurel heard cheers as the spacecraft, which was about the size of a vending machines, approached Dimorphos. The spacecraft eventually reached a blank screen, rust-red.
“And we have impact … in the name of planetary defense”According to a NASA official. Bill Nye was one of those present.
The spacecraft approached an asteroid at a speed of more than 14,000 mph and sent continuous images. These images provided dramatic footage that was reminiscent of the blockbuster films.
“What a moment. Very few words can capture the moment. This is beautiful to watch,”NASA officials said.
CNN’s Kristin Fisher reported that the spacecraft was approaching as CNN’s correspondent Kristin Fisher observed “the detail that you can see. So those are rocks on the surface of Dimorphos.”
IMPACT SUCCESS Take a look at #DARTMIssion’s DRACO Camera, as the vending machine-sized spacecraft successfully collides with asteroid Dimorphos, which is the size of a football stadium and poses no threat to Earth. pic.twitter.com/7bXipPkjWD
— NASA (@NASA) September 26, 2022
More to follow.