In September 2022, aNASA spacecraft smashed into a tiny asteroidto nudge it off its orbital course.
ESA is scheduled to launch itsHera missionin 2024, which will rendezvous with Didymos and its moon by 2026.
However, before attempting deflection, a reconnaissance mission would likely be necessary to accurately assess the asteroids properties.
A simulation showing the aftermath of the DART mission 30 minutes post-collision.Gif: S. D. Raducan (UNIBE)
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Simulations showing the asteroid approximately 178 seconds post-impact.Gif: S.D. Raducan (UNIBE)/C. Manzoni/B.H. May