Upcoming Observation and Mission Operations Plan for the Hera Spacecraft in the Binary Asteroid Exploration Mission
The Hera spacecraft was launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on 7 October 2024 (JST). On 18 October 2026 (JST), while at a distance of 1,280 km from the target binary asteroid system, Hera captured images of the primary asteroid Didymos and its satellite Dimorphos using the Asteroid Framing Camera (AFC). （Source: https://www.esa.int/Space_Safety/Hera/First_light_Hera_resolves_two_asteroids_instead_of_one） The Hera spacecraft conducted its second braking maneuver on 22 October 2026 (JST) and is now approaching the Didymos-Dimorphos binary asteroid system at a relative velocity of 20 m/s. Ahead of arrival, final trajectory-correction trim burns are planned for 25, 28, and 31 October (JST). Hera is expected to reach a position 20-30 km from the binary asteroid system on 4 November 2026 (JST). The Hera […]
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