The launch of an exploration of Earth’s defences
It will check how far it is possible to deflect an incoming asteroid
THE DEPARTURE of Lucy, on October 16th, if all goes well, is not the only forthcoming mission with asteroids as its destination. On November 24th DART should follow. The Double Asteroid Redirection Test, though, has a more practical purpose than Lucy. It will assess the feasibility of changing an asteroid’s path, should one be discovered that threatens to collide with Earth.
This article appeared in the Science & technology section of the print edition under the headline “Nudge, nudge”
From the October 16th 2021 edition
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