DART (Double Asteroid Redirection Test)

The Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) is a NASA mission designed to demonstrate our ability to change the course of an asteroid. It targets a binary asteroid system, where a small moon orbits a larger asteroid. DART intentionally crashes a spacecraft into the smaller moon at high speed, aiming to alter its trajectory slightly. This test helps scientists understand how to potentially prevent future asteroid impact threats by using impact as a method of deflection, providing valuable data on planetary defense strategies.