ESA's pioneering Hera mission to protect Earth from hazardous asteroids is about to gain its sight. A pair of Asteroid Framing Cameras that have undergone rigorous testing have just arrived at OHB in Germany to be installed aboard the Hera spacecraft. The Asteroid Framing Cameras will arm the mission with a star-like view of the target, allowing Hera to precisely navigate towards Dimorphos. This asteroid, which was discovered in 1993, was given a new orbital path by the NASA-led DART mission last year. Once the Asteroid Framing Cameras are integrated with the Hera spacecraft, researchers will be able to study and analyse images of the asteroid in detail. Not only will this allow us to better understand the effects of the collision, but will also help refine the Hera mission's objectives. The Hera mission aims to protect Earth from hazardous asteroids and is the first mission to take on this daunting task. This ambitious project is an opportunity to not only demonstrate the effectiveness of planetary protection, but also to gain invaluable insights that will help inform future asteroid defence missions.
https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/eyes-on-hera-asteroid-missions-cameras-ready
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