Pipeline stage · Step 8
Deflection
The last stage — actually changing an asteroid's orbit so it misses the Earth. DART showed a kinetic impactor works; a gravity tractor, ion beam, or, as a last resort, a nuclear device are other options, chosen by how much warning time is available.
Highlights
- ›DART proved a kinetic impactor can move an asteroid
Surveys, missions & objects
Knowledge connections
- Preceded byDecision & Mission Planning
- Associated withKinetic Impactor
- Associated withGravity Tractor
- Associated withIon-Beam Deflection
- Associated withNuclear Deflection
- Associated withDART
Sources
The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.
- NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.
Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.