Introduction

In a triumphant step for space exploration, two European cubesats sent back reassuring signals after their launch on October 7, as they embark on a mission to investigate the aftermath of NASA's groundbreaking DART mission. The Hera mission, spearheaded by the European Space Agency (ESA), aims to uncover the mysteries behind the binary asteroid system, Didymos and Dimorphos, and analyze the impact caused by DART.

DART Mission Overview

NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) marked a historic moment in space science when it successfully impacted the 560-foot-wide (170 meters) asteroid Dimorphos in 2022. This remarkable feat altered Dimorphos's orbit and demonstrated humanity's potential to divert dangerous asteroids from a collision course with Earth.

Cubesats Overview

The cubesats, named Juventas and Milani, are integral to the Hera mission. These shoebox-sized satellites are safely stored in compact "garages" aboard Hera, equipped with revolutionary technology designed for deep-space exploration. They are scheduled for deployment in late 2026 when Hera reaches the binary system.

Successful Activation

Following their launch, scientists with the ESA had to confirm that Juventas and Milani weathered the launch's turbulence. Successfully activating each cubesat for approximately one hour during live sessions, the team conducted crucial tests to ensure functionality. Juventas, designated for a radar examination of Dimorphos's interior, was powered up on October 17, while Milani, tasked with mineral prospecting on the asteroid's surface, powered up on October 24.

Engineer's Statement

ESA’s Hera cubesats engineer, Franco Perez Lissi, proudly declared, “We activated every onboard system, including avionics, instruments, and satellite communication links.” Each cubesat’s health check was met with positive confirmation, enabling a strategy to activate them every two months throughout their journey to maintain optimal spacecraft health.

Safety and Risk Management

Designed to operate safely and effectively, the cubesats are positioned to take calculated risks that Hera cannot afford. In the event one were to encounter debris from the DART impact or miscalculate trajectory, the potential ramifications would be far less catastrophic than if Hera endured a similar mishap.

Construction and Collaboration

Constructed by Luxembourg-based GOMspace and Italy's Tyvak International, both companies will continue to collaborate on the operation of Juventas and Milani as they explore Dimorphos's terrain.

Data Relay and Operational Insights

The success of the initial commissioning tests serves not only to validate the cubesat technologies but also to ensure seamless operations from the ground command centers. Data collected by the cubesats will be relayed to the Hera Missions Operations Centre at ESA's European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Germany and to the Cubesat Mission Operation Centre (CMOC) in Redu, Belgium. From there, telemetry will be analyzed, and commands will be relayed to sustain optimal operations.

Looking Ahead

As we look ahead to the arrival of Hera at the asteroid system, this mission promises to bring unprecedented insights into planetary defense and the potential for humanity to shape its cosmic environment. Stay tuned as we follow these courageous cubesats on their daring venture into the depths of space!