Nasa is testing methods from science fiction films: they could one day save the earth

Created: 09/21/2022, 14:41

By: Patrick Freiwah

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched in November 2021 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

The "DART" probe is on board.

© BILL INGALLS/Imago

In a few days, an important Nasa mission can also be followed live from Germany: a space probe is on a collision course with an asteroid.

Washington/Munich - The highlight is imminent: NASA is carrying out a space project worth millions and is testing a method for the first time that science fiction fans will recognize from one or the other Hollywood blockbuster.

On September 26, 2022, the US space agency's "DART" mission will complete its most important task - and people all over the world can follow the spectacle in the universe live in front of the monitor.

NASA's DART probe on a collision course with the Didymos asteroid system

The project is the "world's very first test for planetary defense," says NASA about the spectacular project.

The experiment is important in order to be able to prevent the risk of an asteroid impact on earth in the future.

After all, according to the current state of science, it is estimated that the dinosaurs became extinct more than 60 million years ago as a result of such an event.

The roughly 290 million euro Nasa mission "Dart" (meaning Double Asteroid Redirection Test) revolves around the intention of changing the orbit of the asteroid with an induced collision in such a way that an earth impact of the celestial body can be prevented.

The test object is Dimorphos, a kind of moon in the Didymos asteroid system.

The missile, which has a diameter of around 160 meters, is intended to change its route in space using the power of kinetic energy.

The "DART" probe is prepared with a special camera, which should enable the manual but precise control of the asteroid.

Directing the flying object precisely into the asteroid is "incredibly challenging," said NASA manager Evan Smith.

Nasa crashes the "DART" spacecraft into an asteroid - fans can be there live

Nasa's asteroid mission can be followed live with two live streams on the Internet.

The countdown is on to September 26, when the DART spacecraft is scheduled to collide with the asteroid at 7:14 p.m. ET.

In Germany, the peak will take place on the night of September 27 at 1:14 a.m.

With the special camera installed, the approach before the collision can be observed under this link from around 11.30 p.m. (CET).

Anyone who believes that the technological influencing of extraterrestrial matter would pose a danger to the earth's population, Nasa has placed a note in the advance notice: there would be no threat to earth before, during or after the collision between the space probe and the asteroid .

The space researchers will then have to work through the asteroid collision that was brought about for a long time: they are investigating what exactly happened during the impact and what that means for the protection of our planet.

In 2024, the Esa mission "Hera" will start into space for a more precise determination.

Recently, the research vehicle "Perseverance" detected remnants of life on Mars.

NASA is over the moon.