1.5
AU FROM SUN
DISTANCE
224,396,806 km
1 years, 196 days
MISSION DURATION
AND COUNTING
1,081
KG
LAUNCH MASS
3
TARGETS
Mars, Asteroid Didymos, Asteroid Dimorphos
Hera is a orbiter mission by ESA targeting Asteroid Dimorphos. Launched October 7, 2024. Currently 1.5 AU from the Sun.
ABOUT HERA
Hera is ESA’s follow-up to NASA’s DART mission, heading to the Didymos-Dimorphos binary asteroid system to survey the crater and measure the exact mass of Dimorphos. It will arrive in late 2026 and deploy two CubeSats for close-up investigation.
TECHNOLOGY & FIRSTS
- Post-impact assessment of DART planetary defense test
- Carries two CubeSats for close-up investigation
- First detailed study of binary asteroid system modification
SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS (4)
AFC (Asteroid Framing Camera)
TIRI (Thermal Imager)
Juventas CubeSat (radar)
Milani CubeSat (dust/mineral analyzer)
SPACECRAFT SPECIFICATIONS
Launch Mass1,081 kg (2,384 lbs)
PowerSolar panels
Launch VehicleFalcon 9
Launch DateOctober 7, 2024
Arrival DateDecember 1, 2026
ProgramSpace Safety
MISSION TRAJECTORY
1
Mars
2
Asteroid Didymos
3
Asteroid Dimorphos
OTHER ASTEROID DIMORPHOS MISSIONS