The mission, launched in November 2021, aims to test a technique for deflecting an asteroid by deliberately crashing a spacecraft into it. Target: Dimorphos.
The impact in September 2022 exceeded all expectations by successfully changing the orbit of Dimorphos. But a new study has revealed a surprising detail: The crash caused a large amount of debris to be scattered around. If Earth is safe, Mars may not be so lucky if the nearest rock is about to fly past us. Researchers have identified four events in the next 15,000 years in which the launch orbit could intersect with the orbit of Mars.
The thin Martian atmosphere may not fully protect the planet. In the event of an impact, rocks can either burn or leave large impact craters behind.
This discovery highlights the importance of monitoring emissions in future diversion missions. Deflecting asteroids could pose a threat to Earth in the future if their debris is not properly monitored.
Source: Ferra
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