Scientists and researchers focusing on asteroids are preparing to convene in Italy. Their objective is to discuss the latest advancements with regard to the Asteroid Impact Deflection Assessment (AIDA). This project aims to prepare a planetary defence mechanism against significant asteroid impacts, a widely recognized threat that could potentially cause the extinction of life on Earth. There are two main methods of planetary safeguarding against such a threat: detonating the asteroid before it strikes Earth, or diverting its trajectory by striking it with a spacecraft. AIDA prioritizes the exploration of deflection as a defence mechanism.
Understanding the AIDA Mission
AIDA is a collaborative mission spearheaded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the European Space Agency (ESA). The project ambitiously endeavors to utilize two spacecrafts to divert the course of an asteroid in space.
The target of AIDA is the smaller of two bodies located within the binary asteroid system known as Didymos. These bodies orbit between Earth and Mars. The larger body measures approximately 780 m across. In contrast, the smaller body, referred as a “moonlet,” is roughly 160 m in diameter.
The DART Project Under NASA
AIDA’s primary objective is to modify the moonlet’s orbit through a collision induced by one spacecraft. NASA is building the Double Asteroid Impact Test (DART) spacecraft particularly for this function. Following the collision, a second spacecraft will then examine the crash site and compile as much data as possible regarding the impact fallout.
ESA’s contribution to this mission is known as Hera. Hera will closely inspect the post-impact asteroid and deploy a pair of CubeSats to facilitate detailed asteroid surveys.
Role of CubeSats and LICIACube
CubeSats are a type of research spacecraft, also identified as nanosatellites. Built to standard dimensions of 10 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm, CubeSats can vary in size from 1U to 6U and typically weigh less than 1.33 kg per unit.
Simultaneously accompanying DART will be an Italian-created miniature CubeSat known as LICIACube, which will document the moment of impact. The DART spacecraft is projected to launch in 2021 and is scheduled to collide with its target by September 2022.
Facts About AIDA Project
| Key Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Collaborators | European Space Agency (ESA) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) |
| Target Asteroid | Didymos moonlet |
| Dimensions of moonlet | 160 m in diameter |
| Impact year | 2022 |
| Objective | Deflection of asteroid trajectory |
| Main spacecraft | DART |
Contribution of ESA: The Hera Mission
The European Space Agency’s role in the mission, Hera, aims to offer a meticulous analysis of the impacted asteroid. It will also deploy a duo of CubeSats for detailed asteroid surveys. These efforts should provide researchers with valuable insight to model the efficacy of the collision.
