Press release – SpaceWeek
UCLouvain scientists are ready for the launch of Hera, the planetary defense mission from ESA! The takeoff is scheduled for October 7 from Florida, directed towards Dimorphos, the asteroid that was impacted and deflected two years ago by a NASA mission. The objective is to gather as much data as possible following this impact in order to replicate such deflections when an asteroid threatens our planet.
At some point, the Earth will face the threat of a large asteroid on a collision course with it. To prevent a tragic fate similar to that of the dinosaurs, we must prepare.
In 2022, NASA achieved a monumental feat with its DART mission, which involved a collision with the 150-meter-wide asteroid Dimorphos, located 11 million kilometers away from our planet. Moreover, the trajectory of the asteroid was successfully altered due to the impact.
However, the story does not end there. This is where UCLouvain researchers come in: on October 7, at 4:45 p.m. (Belgian time), the ESA mission HERA (European Space Agency) will launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida, to conduct an in-depth examination of the asteroid post-impact. For this technique to be mastered and made reproducible, particularly with larger asteroids, we need to understand what caused the impact. What is the size of the DART crater? What is the structure of the asteroid, and how did the impact alter this structure?
Research at UCLouvain has significantly contributed to the realization of this historic planetary defense mission! They prepared for the mission by performing trajectory calculations for Hera to reach the asteroid and determine its orbital placement around Dimorphos, as well as for the Juventas nanosatellite, which is the size of a shoebox and will detach from the Hera probe to land on Dimorphos. This small satellite is equipped with a gravimeter, a device that will enable detailed measurements to weigh the asteroid. Its prototype was developed at UCLouvain.
UCLouvain scientists will also play a crucial role in data collection and analysis once Hera arrives at its destination. From this data, scientists will infer essential information about the internal structure of Dimorphos and create a model of it.
Hera will gather key information, such as the size of the DART crater, Dimorphos’s mass, as well as its composition and internal structure. This additional data will assist in transforming the DART deflection experiment into a technique that could one day be implemented for real.
The Hera mission will take two years to reach Dimorphos, which will then be over 200 million kilometers away from Earth. However, the first signals from the mission following its launch are expected to reach UCLouvain scientists on-site in Florida and at the ESA operational center on October 7 around 6:15 p.m….
All photos and animations related to the Hera mission are available in HD on the ESA website.
ESA animation of the HERA mission’s trajectory towards the asteroid
ESA Television – Videos – 2024 – 03 – Hera: ESA’s planetary defense mission – Animations – April 2024 – Hera trajectory to Didymos
https://www.esa.int/esatv/Videos/2024/03/Hera_ESA_s_planetary_defence_mission_-_Animations
Press Release: UCLouvain Researchers Set for the Hera Launch
Overview of the Hera Mission
Launch Date: October 7 from Cape Canaveral, Florida
Objective: To study the deflection of asteroids that pose a threat to Earth.
UCLouvain’s Role: Development of a mini satellite to weigh the studied asteroid.
Understanding the Hera Mission
The Hera mission, set to launch on October 7, 2024, is part of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) planetary defense program. This critical mission follows NASA’s successful DART mission, which demonstrated the viability of asteroid deflection techniques by impacting the 150-meter-wide asteroid, Dimorphos. UCLouvain researchers are at the forefront of this groundbreaking exploration, contributing to mission preparation and execution.
Significance of Planetary Defense
Planetary defense is essential in safeguarding Earth from potential asteroid impacts. Historical events, such as the extinction of the dinosaurs, underscore the need for proactive measures against large celestial bodies that could threaten life on Earth. Understanding the mechanics of asteroid deflection is pivotal for future strategies aimed at protecting our planet.
The DART Mission: A Prelude to Hera
The DART (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) mission provided invaluable data regarding asteroid deflection methods. Launched in 2021, DART collided with Dimorphos, successfully altering its trajectory and establishing a baseline for future missions like Hera.
The Role of UCLouvain Scientists
UCLouvain researchers have played a significant role in the Hera mission, specifically in the following areas:
- Trajectory Calculations: Precise calculations were made for Hera’s flight path to Dimorphos.
- Juventas Nanosatellite Development: A compact satellite designed to detach and gather data from the asteroid.
- Data Collection and Analysis: Involvement in gathering critical data regarding Dimorphos post-impact.
The Juventas Nanosatellite: Weighing Asteroids
Juventas, measuring approximately the size of a shoebox, is equipped with a gravimeter—an advanced tool for measuring gravitational fields. This technology enables UCLouvain scientists to weigh the asteroid with precision, providing insights into its mass, structure, and composition.
Impact of Hera on Future Space Missions
| Aspect | Impact |
|---|---|
| Understanding Asteroid Composition | Data from Hera will reveal the internal structure of Dimorphos. |
| Refining Deflection Techniques | Insights will help perfect methods for redirecting potentially hazardous asteroids. |
| Enhancing International Collaboration | Strengthening partnerships between space agencies for planetary defense strategies. |
Anticipated Challenges for the Hera Mission
While the Hera mission promises to advance our understanding of asteroid deflection, several challenges remain:
- Distance: The journey will last two years, covering over 200 million kilometers.
- Communication Delay: Signals from Hera will take time to reach Earth, complicating real-time data analysis.
- Technological Issues: Potential risks associated with operating in the harsh environment of space.
First-Hand Experience: Launch Day
On launch day, UCLouvain scientists will be present at Cape Canaveral to monitor the launch and initial mission signals. This direct involvement underscores the significant collaboration between UCLouvain and ESA.
Media Resources and Further Information
NASA and ESA have released high-definition images and animations of the Hera mission. These resources are vital for those interested in understanding the mission’s scope and objectives:
Conclusion of Release
The Hera mission represents a significant milestone in planetary defense efforts. With UCLouvain’s substantial contributions, this mission will pave the way for future endeavors to protect our planet from cosmic threats effectively.
