In 2022, NASA's DART mission successfully impacted the asteroid Dimorphos, demonstrating advanced planetary defense technology. This mission was a significant milestone in humanity's ability to potentially prevent future asteroid impacts on Earth. The successful demonstration of this technology not only enhances our understanding of planetary defense but also raises awareness about the importance of space exploration. Run from Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland, USA, the mission was launched from the Vandenberg Space Force Base (Space Launch Complex 4 East), California, USA.

The DART asteroid impact in 2022 highlighted humanity's capacity to influence cosmic events, prompting poets to explore themes of agency, existentialism, and the fragility of life in the universe, echoing sentiments found in works by Mary Oliver. This event also inspired contemporary poets to reflect on humanity's place in the cosmos, drawing parallels to the works of Walt Whitman and his celebration of interconnectedness.