NASA Details Historic DART Mission That Crashed Into Asteroid

NASA successfully impacted the Dimorphous asteroid, marking the first time humanity has altered the orbit of a planetary body. This mission tested the potential to deflect Earth-threatening asteroids. The impact shortened Dimorphous's orbit around Didymos by 32 minutes. While these asteroids pose no threat, the technique could protect Earth from future asteroid threats if detected early. NASA has identified the largest dangerous asteroids but continues to search for smaller ones that could cause regional devastation.

What was the primary achievement of NASA's mission involving the Dimorphous asteroid?

• Landing a spacecraft on the asteroid

• Collecting samples from the asteroid

• Destroying the asteroid completely

• Changing the orbit of the asteroid

What was the main purpose of crashing a spacecraft into the Dimorphous asteroid?

• To create a new orbit for the asteroid

• To test the ability to deflect potential Earth-threatening asteroids

• To observe the asteroid's composition

• To collect data from the asteroid

Why is early detection crucial in the technique tested by NASA?

• To ensure the spacecraft can land safely

• To prevent the asteroid from breaking apart

• To allow enough time to deflect the asteroid

• To gather more data about the asteroid

What percentage of smaller asteroids that could cause regional devastation has NASA identified?

• 80%

• 40%

• 20%

• 60%

What is the current status of NASA's search for dangerous asteroids?

• All dangerous asteroids have been identified

• Only the largest asteroids have been identified

• All asteroids are considered non-threatening

• No asteroids have been identified yet