Part 10/11:
The Broader Significance of DART
By successfully demonstrating a method to alter an asteroid’s orbit, DART advances the goal of planetary defense from theoretical planning to practical application. Beyond simple science, the mission embodies humanity’s proactive stance against cosmic risks, turning a potentially apocalyptic threat into a solvable problem.
This mission underscores the importance of early detection, swift response, and technological innovation. It’s a crucial step toward ensuring that, should an asteroid threaten Earth in the future, we will have the means—rather than just the awareness—to protect our planet.