ESA's Hera probe arrives at asteroid Dimorphos to inspect DART impact
The European Space Agency's Hera spacecraft, launched in October 2024, will begin braking maneuvers this month to reach the Didymos–Dimorphos asteroid system. The mission aims to study the aftermath of NASA's DART impact, which in September 2022 shortened Dimorphos' orbit by about 33 minutes. The first arrival maneuver is scheduled for Oct. 15, with the probe closing to within 30 km by early November.
- DART struck Dimorphos on Sept. 26, 2022, shortening its orbit by ~33 minutes
- Hera launched in October 2024, first arrival maneuver set for Oct. 15
- By early November the probe will come within 30 km of the asteroids
- In January Hera will deploy Milani and Juventas to study composition and interior
Read next
Science