Question

In 2026, the DART (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) mission was launched by which organization?

• A. Indian Space Research Organization
• B. European Space Agency
• C. China National Space Administration
• D. National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Hint:

For planetary defense and kinetic impact experiments, remember the following framework: center tabular|c|c|c| Mission Type & Executing Body & Target System
Kinetic Deflection (DART) & NASA & Dimorphos / Didymos
Post-Impact Survey (Hera) & ESA & Dimorphos System
tabular center

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understand the mission.
The DART (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) mission tested planetary defence by crashing a spacecraft into an asteroid to change its path.

Step 2: Identify the agency.
DART was led by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), with the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory.

Step 3: The target.
It hit Dimorphos, the moonlet of the asteroid Didymos, and shortened its orbit, proving kinetic deflection works.

Step 4: Rule out others.
ISRO, ESA and China's CNSA did not run DART; ESA's later Hera mission only studies the aftermath.

Step 5: Conclude.
DART was launched by NASA.

Answer: National Aeronautics and Space Administration