Vandenberg to launch spacecraft that will slam into asteroid the size of Washington Monument
Vandenberg Space Force Base will launch a rocket this week with a very unique mission.
According to Vandenberg officials, the military base’s space team will support a SpaceX launch carrying NASA’s first planetary defense test mission on Tuesday.
The Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) will launch in SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket at 10:20 p.m., according to a base news release.
DART is designed to impact the asteroid moonlet, Dimorphos, which at about 525 feet in diameter is just under the size of the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C..
DART is expected to hit the asteroid at a speed of roughly 15,000 miles per hour and will change its orbit sometime in fall 2022. The asteroid does not pose an impact threat to Earth, scientists say.
Col. Rob Long, the Space Launch Delta 30 commander, said the Vandenberg team is “excited to partner with NASA and SpaceX on the first planetary defense test mission.”
“Everyone involved has been working tirelessly to ensure this launch is safe and successful,” he said. “I’m proud of their efforts.”
For those hoping to watch the rocket launch, there is some bad news. Though many of the unofficial viewing locations will likely be available, one of the more popular official viewing locations will be closed.
Vandenberg said the Hawk’s Nest area on base will be closed to the public at that time for a private event.
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