Impact Modeling for the Double Asteroid Redirection Test Mission

Abstract

The Asteroid Impact Deflection Assessment (AIDA) collaboration is a joint ESA-NASA planetary defense collaboration that will include the first full-scale test of an asteroid deflection by kinetic impactor [1]. The AIDA collaboration comprises two independent spacecraft, the NASA-sponsored Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) and the ESA-led Hera. In September 2022 the DART spacecraft will impact the secondary member of the binary asteroid system 65803 Didymos (Didymos-B) at a speed of ~6.7 km/s and mass ~500 kg. The resulting period change in the orbit of Didymos-B will be measured using Earth-based observations. Hera will arrive post-impact and perform detailed measurements to characterize Didymos-B.