Humanity has, at the very least, 100 years of buffer before encountering a meteorite the size of the one that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs. Nonetheless, the threat is significant, and to avoid sharing the fate of the dinosaurs, the European Space Agency (ESA) will launch its first planetary defense mission this October: Hera.
The goal of the ESA is to arrive at two asteroids that NASA explored two years ago by the end of 2026: Didymos, nearly 800 meters in diameter, and Dimorphos, which is 150 meters long and orbits the former like a moon. “We are the first generation capable of deflecting an asteroid,” stated Michael Kueppers, an ESA scientist involved in the project, during a press conference.
Kueppers referred to the success of the American mission Dart, which, in September 2021, involved crashing a satellite into Didymos kamikaze-style to alter its trajectory. “We managed to change its orbit by about half an hour, a greater deflection than anticipated,” he emphasized, according to Ignacio Tanco, ESA flight director.
This accomplishment is a landmark in the realm of planetary defense, considering that Dimorphos, despite being the smaller of the two asteroids, is categorized as a City Killer, meaning it is capable of destroying an entire city if it impacts Earth. “It could devastate Madrid, but it is not large enough to affect all of Spain,” Kueppers elaborated.
Now, the European spacecraft’s objective will be to study the aftermath of the Dart impact on Dimorphos. In this context, Hera will aim to determine how effective NASA’s mission was and investigate whether a crater formed on the asteroid’s surface or whether its shape altered due to the collision. Additionally, the internal composition of Dimorphos will be analyzed.
According to ESA’s projections, Hera will approach the asteroids around October 2026, at a distance of 195 million kilometers from Earth. The initial launch attempt, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, is scheduled for this Monday, October 7, from the United States. If the launch cannot be executed that day, another attempt can be made daily until October 27. This date is significant in the ESA calendar, as if it’s missed, the next opportunity would not arise until October 2026, resulting in a two-year delay for the entire mission.
To accomplish its mission, the spacecraft is equipped with 12 instruments designed to collect a diverse array of data. These instruments will also conduct various technological demonstrations over the two years it takes Hera to reach the asteroids for use in future endeavors.
The spacecraft that Europe will dispatch to space also carries two smaller satellites, The Youth and Milani, which will be deployed to undertake secondary tasks. Once their flight duties are complete, these CubeSat-type satellites will land on Dimorphos to, among other missions, measure its gravitational field.
Similarly, Hera might land on one of Didymos‘ poles towards the end of its operational lifespan, aiming to capture high-resolution images of the largest asteroid’s surface. However, the ESA team has indicated that this decision will be made during the course of the six-month scientific mission.
As per ESA’s announcements, Hera has necessitated an investment of 363 million euros, which covers the spacecraft, instrument design, secondary satellites, launch, and operations throughout the mission’s duration. More than 70 companies and European institutions from 18 member states of the European Space Agency have collaborated. Japan has also participated in the mission.
In this respect, the Spanish space industry has played a significant role in the mission. The company GMV has led the development of the guidance, navigation, and mission control system, while the firm Emxys has been tasked with creating the electronics for The Youth‘s gravimeter. Additionally, the company Tendons manufactured the low-gain antennas for Hera, and the Spanish subsidiary of Thales Alenia Space, based in Tres Cantos (Madrid), has spearheaded the design of the communications subsystem.
ESA’s Hera Mission: A Leap in Planetary Defense
Humanity currently has 100 years of margin before facing a meteorite threat comparable to the one that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs. However, the potential danger is not to be underestimated. Following a promising approach to planetary defense, the European Space Agency (ESA) is slated to launch its first planetary defense mission named Hera this October.
The Hera Mission: An Overview
The primary aim of the Hera mission is to investigate two asteroids already examined by NASA: Didymos, nearly 800 meters in diameter, and its companion Dimorphos, which measures about 150 meters. This exploratory venture is critical not only to ensure the safety of our planet but also to enhance our understanding of asteroid properties and behaviors.
Michael Kueppers, an ESA scientist, remarked, “We are the first generation capable of deflecting an asteroid.” This is a testament to the successful impact of NASA’s Dart mission in September 2021, where a spacecraft was deliberately crashed into Didymos to alter its trajectory. The results exceeded expectations, modifying the asteroid’s orbit by approximately half an hour.
Understanding the Threat: “City Killers”
Dimorphos is classified as a “City Killer”, signifying that if it were to collide with Earth, it could obliterate an entire city. Kueppers specified, “It could end with Madrid but is not large enough to affect all of Spain.” Understanding such threats is paramount for global safety.
Mission Objectives and Investigations
The intent behind the Hera mission is to evaluate the outcomes of the Dart impact on Dimorphos. This includes:
- Assessing the efficiency of NASA’s collision intervention
- Determining whether a crater was created on Dimorphos’ surface
- Examining any structural changes to the asteroid post-collision
- Investigating the internal composition of Dimorphos
The Launch Timeline
According to ESA forecasts, Hera is expected to reach the asteroids by October 2026, situated approximately 195 million kilometers from Earth. The initial launch attempt is set for October 7 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with possibilities for daily launches until October 27.
Technology and Instruments on Board
Equipped with 12 instruments, the Hera spacecraft is designed to collect a diverse range of data. The mission will also conduct various technological demonstrations to prepare for future missions. Key components include:
- Remote sensing devices for surface analysis
- Gravitational field measurement systems
- Communication arrays for data transmission
To enhance its scientific capability, Hera will deploy two smaller CubeSats, The Youth and Milani, which will conduct supplemental tasks and land on Dimorphos to gather specific measurements.
Partnerships and Investments in the Hera Mission
The Hera mission is backed by a substantial investment of 363 million euros, which covers spacecraft design, instrument development, and mission operations. Many European companies and institutions (over 70) from 18 ESA member states, along with participation from Japan, play a key role in this endeavor.
The Spanish space sector particularly contributes to this mission, with:
- GMV: Leadership in guidance, navigation, and control systems
- Emxys: Development of the CubeSat gravimeter electronics
- Tendons: Manufacturing of low-gain antennas for Hera
- Thales Alenia Space: Design of the communication subsystem
Scientific Impact and Future Implications
The implications of the Hera mission reach beyond mere asteroid studies; they pave the way for a proactive approach to planetary defense. By understanding asteroid compositions and behaviors, ESA aims to enhance the decision-making process regarding potential threats to Earth.
Final Thoughts: The Protectors of Our Planet
The Hera mission represents a crucial step toward safeguarding Earth from extraterrestrial threats. Scientists and engineers are determined to grasp the nuances of asteroid dynamics, and their findings may well contribute to humanity’s long-term safety against catastrophic impacts.
| Mission Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | October 7, 2024 |
| Target Asteroids | Didymos and Dimorphos |
| Instruments | 12 specialized scientific tools |
| Investment | 363 million euros |
| Mission Duration | Approximately 2 years to reach targets |
