The Hera mission, set to launch in October 2024, will focus on studying the binary asteroid system Didymos, which includes the moonlet Dimorphos. NASA has chosen 12 scientists to participate in this mission, bringing a wealth of expertise and knowledge to the project. The main goals of both the DART spacecraft, which impacted Dimorphos on September 26, 2022, and Hera are to confirm the effectiveness of the kinetic impact technique in diverting an asteroid heading towards Earth and gather more information about near-Earth asteroids that pose a potential threat to our planet.
By studying the Didymos binary asteroid system, researchers hope to gain a better understanding of how kinetic impact can be used as a possible defense strategy against potential asteroid impacts. This research is crucial in developing ways to protect Earth from the threat of near-Earth asteroids in the future. The collaboration between NASA and ESA on the Hera mission represents a significant step forward in asteroid defense technology. By working together, these agencies aim to advance our understanding of asteroid redirection techniques and improve our ability to respond to potential asteroid threats in the future. The data collected during the Hera mission will be crucial in informing future asteroid defense strategies and mitigating the risk posed by near-Earth asteroids.