The European Space Agency's Hera mission aims to survey the impact site on Dimorphos after NASA's Dart probe impacted it, enhancing strategies for planetary defense against asteroids.
Lead engineer Paolo Martino emphasized the mission's critical first phase, stating, 'The first one is surviving the launch,' indicating the high-stakes nature of space exploration.
Hera will gather crucial data about Dimorphos following its alteration by Dart’s high-velocity impact, enabling deeper insights necessary for the development of asteroid defense strategies.
With the planned launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, Hera will reach Dimorphos by December 2026 to provide essential understanding for future planetary protection against asteroid threats.
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