DART Mission Earns Space Foundation Achievement Award

by Sumer Loggins | 2023-04-19

NASA has successfully altered the trajectory of a natural celestial object for the first time in history. NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission effectively changed the orbit of a 160 m asteroid by 33 minutes. The DART spacecraft changed the trajectory of the asteroid Dimorphos through kinetic impact, proving that it was possible to divert an asteroid by slamming into it with a spacecraft. This is the first data point recorded to prevent a celestial object from hitting the planet, representing a major milestone in U.S. planetary defense efforts. The mission also tested technologies never flown on a spacecraft before.

NASA received international recognition for space science achievement, a great honor. On April 18, 2023, the DART mission team members were presented with the Space Foundation's 2023 Space Achievement Award at the 38th Space Symposium. The Space Foundation annually acknowledges the greatest achievements in space exploration, advocacy, education, innovation, and accomplishment for the betterment of humankind.

On April 17, 2023, the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission team members were presented the Space Foundation's 2023 Space Achievement Award at the Space Symposium. From left to right are Lindley Johnson, NASA’s first-ever planetary defense officer, Jason Kalirai, mission area executive for Civil Space, Elena Adams, DART mission systems engineer, Nicola Fox, associate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, Caitlin Shearer, DART deputy project manager, and Edward Reynolds, DART project manager. Credits: NASA — From left to right are Lindley Johnson, NASA’s first-ever planetary defense officer; Jason Kalirai, mission area executive for Civil Space; Elena Adams, Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission systems engineer; Nicola Fox, associate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate; Caitlin Shearer, DART deputy project manager; and Edward Reynolds, DART project manager. Credits: NASA

“The Space Achievement Award recognizes the importance of the DART mission to the international and space communities,” said Paul Abell, chief scientist for Small Body Exploration within the Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science Division at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. “We do Planetary Defense because we’re passionate about what we do and think humanity is worth saving. We have this one planet to support life, and we can come together and defend the whole planet to make sure huge calamities don’t happen.”

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Illustration of NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test spacecraft and the Italian Space Agency’s (ASI) LICIACube, with images of the asteroids Dimorphos and Didymos obtained by the DART spacecraft. Credit: NASA/Johns Hopkins APL/Joshua Diaz — *Illustration of NASA’s* *Double Asteroid Redirection Test* *spacecraft and the Italian Space Agency’s LICIACube, with images of the asteroids Dimorphos and Didymos obtained by the DART spacecraft.* *Credit: NASA/Johns Hopkins APL/Joshua Diaz*

NASA's Missions Benefit All

NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office monitors all known near-Earth objects and provides early detection of potentially hazardous objects. NASA's planetary defense strategy involves detecting and tracking celestial objects using telescopes on the ground and in space to collect valuable data on potentially hazardous objects. Such information is useful to develop strategies and technologies for mitigating impacts (e.g., DART) and responding to an actual impact threat.

From combating climate change, developing sustainable technologies, studying Earth’s ecosystems, or achieving groundbreaking scientific advancements, the DART mission is one of many demonstrations of NASA’s ability to protect Earth and benefit humanity. With safety, teamwork, and integrity as the core values in every mission at NASA, this one-of-a-kind mission to protect our planet gives hope to all.