NASA’s spacecraft flew straight to an asteroid – scientists rejoice: “It benefits all of humanity”

From the US control center, scientists and engineers exclaimed when the message arrived: “Collision confirmed.” A hit 17 meters from the target is considered close enough.

The collision demonstrates that a spacecraft can on its own collide with an asteroid to change its course.

– It was kind of in the middle of nowhere. I think, as far as we know, the first planetary defense test was successful, he says Elena AdamsA project official during a press conference.

“hold your breath”

– We all knew we would meet him. We all held our breath. ‘I’m a little surprised,’ says Adams, ‘no one fainted.

The small asteroid Demorphos has a diameter of 160 meters and orbits the larger asteroid Didymos (780 meters in diameter).NASA/John Hopkins APL

“DART represents an unprecedented success for planetary defense, but it is also a unit mission of real benefit to all of humanity,” the NASA administrator said. Bill Nelson.

It remains to be seen if the collision has enough force to alter the asteroid’s orbit. If that turns out to be the case, then the mission’s second goal – to demonstrate that it is possible to divert an asteroid bound for Earth – would also have been achieved.

“Sleep better”

According to the researchers, it may take up to two months before they see whether the asteroid has changed its course, the Guardian wrote.

Researchers from the University of Helsinki participate in the observational campaign using the Joint Northern Optical Telescope on the island of La Palma, Spain.

Despite the uncertainty, Adams says just the fact that they successfully hit the asteroid makes a difference.

Earthlings should be able to sleep better, and I will certainly do that, she says.

NASA’s experience may be crucial to how we act on the day an asteroid ends up on a collision course with Earth. The budget for the test is 330 million US dollars, which is about 342 million euros.