ESA Upgrades Hera Spacecraft Software for Asteroid Mission

The European Space Agency's Hera mission control team has successfully upgraded the deep space software running the Hera spacecraft ^[1].

This update is critical for the spacecraft's ability to navigate and explore the Dimorphos and Didymos asteroids. The mission aims to study the aftermath of a kinetic impact intended to modify an asteroid's orbit, providing essential data for planetary defense.

The software upgrade allows the craft to operate across 140 million km of space ^[1]. This technical milestone ensures the spacecraft is prepared for its upcoming rendezvous with asteroid Didymos later this year ^[3].

"The control team for ESA’s Hera mission have succeeded in upgrading the software running it, leaving the spacecraft ready to explore..." the ESA Control Team said ^[1].

The mission follows a series of complex maneuvers. Previous operations were completed in September 2022 and on March 17, 2026 [1, 2]. These steps were necessary to align the spacecraft for its scientific objectives.

Hera is tasked with examining the results of NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART). NASA scientists said the DART mission was designed to see if the orbit of Dimorphos could be intentionally modified ^[2]. This previous impact set the stage for Hera's detailed survey of the asteroid system.

Additional data indicates the spacecraft has handled high-velocity environments, with some reports noting speeds of 820 miles per hour ^[2]. The upcoming autumn visit will mark the culmination of the journey to the binary asteroid system ^[1].