The European space defence mission Hera successfully launched from Cape Canaveral on Monday, defying doubts due to approaching Hurricane Milton. The Falcon 9 rocket from SpaceX carried Hera, marking a historic moment for European astronautics.
Hera’s journey will culminate in October 2026 when it reaches the asteroid Dimorphos to study the impact caused by NASA’s DART spacecraft in 2022. This project aims to investigate ways to divert the trajectory of near-Earth objects to prevent potential collisions with Earth.
ESA
Hera will collect samples and analyze the asteroid’s surface, structure, and composition using advanced technology. This mission, costing €363 million and involving 18 countries, is crucial for future planetary defense tactics.
Described as a detective investigating a crime scene, Hera’s mission is essential for understanding and preventing potential asteroid collisions with Earth. Any delay in the launch could have had serious implications, making the successful launch a significant achievement.
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