The Hera probe will arrive at the Dimorpha asteroid in late 2026 to review the results of the DART probe used for the first deflection experiment.
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket launched the Hera mission into space for the European Space Agency. The launch took place on October 7 from a spaceport in Florida. Space.com reported it.
So, on October 7 at 17:52 Kyiv time, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched the Hera mission. The launch took place from a spaceport in Florida, USA.
It was noted that, unlike previous missions, the first stage of the Falcon 9 did not return to Earth, because all the energy was used to send Hera into space.
Stage separation confirmed pic.twitter.com/6gvilW6dQ2
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) October 7, 2024
This is the 23rd flight of the rocket, which has previously flown many important missions, including the Starlink and Transporter programs, as well as flights with NASA astronauts.
The Hera space probe, which includes two smaller satellites – Milani and Juventas, costs 363 million euros.
It is expected to arrive at the Dimorpha asteroid in 2026 to investigate the consequences of the DART mission, which in 2022 successfully conducted an experiment to deflect a celestial body by deliberately crashing into the asteroid.
Let’s remember that SpaceX has announced ambitious plans to conduct about five unmanned Starship missions to Mars in the next two years.
It was previously reported that the first flights to Mars could take place within two years, and the landing of the first humans on this planet within four years.
NASA has completed the first simulation mission to Mars
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Source: korrespondent
I am Ben Stock, a passionate and experienced digital journalist working in the news industry. At the Buna Times, I write articles covering technology developments and related topics. I strive to provide reliable information that my readers can trust. My research skills are top-notch, as well as my ability to craft engaging stories on timely topics with clarity and accuracy.