Hera, the ESA’s first planetary defense space mission, launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, bound for the asteroid Dimorphos. Its main aim is to survey the impact site of NASA’s DART spacecraft, which deflected the asteroid’s course. The results could lay the groundwork for a future planetary defense system with far-reaching implications for Earth’s safety.
The project, involving 18 European countries, 70 companies, and JAXA, faced obstacles like a malfunction in the Falcon 9 and bad weather due to Hurricane Milton. However, the launch successfully took place as the rocket was authorized to return to flight by the FAA.
Hera is expected to reach Dimorphos in October 2026, with two CubeSats deploying to gather data. The mission is considered the fastest planetary mission in Europe and highlights global collaboration in planetary defense efforts.
Ian Carnelli, Hera Project Manager, emphasized the importance of working together as a planet to achieve such milestones. The successful launch was a great moment for ESA and European industry. With humanity’s ability to collaborate and take action quickly, the Hera mission is a step towards enhancing Earth’s defenses against potential asteroid threats.
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