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DART impacted Dimorphos with around 6km/sec, which is really fast. I am wondering what is left of the spacecraft? What state is it now probably? Seeking the results of car crashes with 200+ kph when the there is almost nothing left, I think the spacecraft very likely got pulverized!

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    $\begingroup$ I think the keywords to look into are "hypervelocity impact," but that's about as much as I know. $\endgroup$
    – Erin Anne
    Commented Feb 19, 2023 at 1:59
  • $\begingroup$ I believe the most accurate description currently would be “crater” $\endgroup$
    – Topcode
    Commented Feb 20, 2023 at 5:19
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    $\begingroup$ 200 km/h is only 55.5 m/s but 6 km/s are 21, 600 km/h. The kinetic energy per kg is 11,666 times bigger. So parts of the spacecraft are not only pulverized but vaporized. $\endgroup$
    – Uwe
    Commented Feb 22, 2023 at 16:36
  • $\begingroup$ @Uwe wow that is hefty... $\endgroup$
    – RAD6000
    Commented Feb 24, 2023 at 9:38

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