In 2022 NASA Changed the Orbit of an Asteroid
NASA made history in 2022 with the first-ever test of an asteroid deflection technique. The Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) spacecraft intentionally collided with the small asteroid moon Dimorphos, shortening its orbit as intended. This demonstration proves the viability of using a kinetic impactor to nudge an asteroid off of a potential collision course with Earth.
The $330 million DART mission launched in November 2021 and navigated autonomously to strike Dimorphos, a 160-meter wide asteroid that orbits a larger 780-meter asteroid called Didymos. DART’s kinetic impact at 6.6 km/s on September 26, 2022 transferred momentum to Dimorphos, as expected.
Follow-up observations by ground-based telescopes confirmed the orbital period of Dimorphos was shortened by 32 minutes, far exceeding the minimum change of 73 seconds that NASA defined as a successful demonstration. The substantial orbital change indicates the escaping debris ejected by the impact added significantly more momentum than the impact itself.
“This result is one important step toward understanding the full effect we can have to change the motion of an asteroid using direct impact, and why this technique is a viable method for planetary defense.”
Lori Glaze, director of NASA’s Planetary Science Division
DART was NASA’s first dedicated planetary defense test mission, proving that a kinetic impactor can deflect an asteroid given sufficient lead time. This could be a viable technique to alter the course of an asteroid determined to be on a collision path with Earth, if applied early when the asteroid is far enough away.
Who Should be Allowed to Change the Orbits of Asteroids?
The question of who should have the authority to change the orbits of asteroids is multi-faceted and complex. It entails an intersection of science, politics, ethics, and international law. This deliberation is not just about technical capability, but also about responsibility, governance, and global cooperation.
At the core of the matter, altering the orbits of asteroids touches on the broader debate about space exploration and exploitation: who has the right to modify celestial bodies? Current international space law, as represented by the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, prohibits nations from claiming sovereignty over celestial bodies, but it does not expressly forbid their modification or use.
The Technological Aspect
There are several entities with the technological capability to alter the orbits of asteroids, namely some national space agencies and a growing number of private companies. Organizations such as NASA, the European Space Agency, and SpaceX possess the scientific knowledge and technological infrastructure to undertake such a task.
However, just because these entities have the ability to change the orbits of asteroids, it doesn’t necessarily follow that they should be the ones to have this authority. It is important to remember that technical capability does not inherently confer legitimacy or the right to act.
The Ethical and Legal Perspective
From an ethical standpoint, altering the course of a celestial body could have unforeseen consequences that might affect the entire global community. As such, it may be prudent for this authority to be exercised by a representative international body. This body would ideally be guided by a global legal and regulatory framework that places a priority on safeguarding the common interests of humanity.
Current international space law is vague and doesn’t clearly address this particular issue. It might therefore be necessary to establish new legislation or treaties that explicitly outline who can change asteroid orbits and under what conditions. This would likely require comprehensive international dialogue and cooperation.
The Role of Global Cooperation
The global community has a shared interest in preventing potential asteroid impacts. Therefore, the capacity to alter asteroid orbits should not be confined to a select few nations or organizations but should be subject to international oversight. An inclusive approach would ensure that the process is carried out responsibly and with the best interests of all earth’s inhabitants in mind.
The Need for International Oversight and Governance
To ensure that the power to alter the orbits of asteroids is used responsibly and for the common good, an international governance framework may be necessary. This could take the form of an expanded mandate for an existing international organization such as the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), or the creation of a new body dedicated to dealing with such matters.
This governing body would be tasked with providing oversight and setting guidelines for asteroid manipulation. It would need to balance the interests of different nations and entities, mediate disputes, and ensure compliance with international law. It would also have to be transparent in its decision-making and provide a platform for various stakeholders to voice their opinions and concerns.
Summary
So, who should be allowed to change the orbits of asteroids? The answer is complex and depends on balancing various considerations. It’s clear that the authority to modify the orbits of asteroids should not solely be based on technical capability, but also guided by international law, ethical considerations, and the need for global cooperation.
The creation or expansion of international bodies to govern this process appears to be an important step forward. Such entities would be tasked with providing oversight, ensuring responsible conduct, upholding international law, and addressing any disputes or concerns. In all this, the overarching goal should be to safeguard the common interests of humanity in the exploration and use of outer space.