A spacecraft named Hera has been launched on a two-year mission by the European Space Agency to investigate an asteroid that was impacted by NASA's Dart spacecraft in 2022. The purpose of this mission is to study the effects of the collision and gather valuable information that could aid in planetary defense efforts in the future.
The impact by Dart on the asteroid, known as Dimorphos, altered its orbit around a larger companion, demonstrating the potential effectiveness of redirecting dangerous space rocks away from Earth. Scientists are eager to analyze the aftermath of the collision to assess Dart's impact and determine any necessary adjustments for future asteroid deflection missions.
Hera, equipped with a dozen science instruments, will travel to Dimorphos and conduct a detailed survey to determine its mass, shape, composition, and orbit around its parent asteroid, Didymos. The spacecraft will also deploy two Cubesats for closer inspections, including radar observations to explore beneath Dimorphos' surface.
The mission, described as a 'crash scene investigation,' aims to gather scientific and technical data to enhance our understanding of asteroid behavior and potential threats to Earth. Hera will attempt to go into orbit around the asteroid pair, with plans for the Cubesats to land on Dimorphos once their survey is complete.
While neither Dimorphos nor Didymos pose a threat to Earth, the mission serves as a crucial step in developing asteroid deflection strategies to protect our planet from potential impacts. By studying these celestial bodies, scientists hope to advance our ability to mitigate the risks posed by near-Earth objects.
This mission represents a significant milestone in planetary defense efforts and underscores the importance of international collaboration in addressing potential cosmic threats to our planet.
