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.

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.

Simulations showing the asteroid approximately 178 seconds post-impact.Gif: S.D. Raducan (UNIBE)/C. Manzoni/B.H. May

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U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media during a guided tour of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts before leading a board meeting on March 17, 2025 in Washington, DC.

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