Hera Approaches Dimorphos to Survey Nasa’s Asteroid Impact Site

WHO:

Space.com - Europe’s Hera planetary defense spacecraft is approaching the binary asteroid system targeted by NASA’s DART mission.

Science Daily - Europe’s Hera spacecraft is investigating the aftermath of NASA’s asteroid collision experiment.

Space.com - The system consists of two rocky bodies.

Science Daily - The two asteroids were involved in NASA’s experiment to redirect a potentially dangerous space rock.

WHAT:

Space.com - Hera has obtained its first view in which it can distinguish the two rocky bodies in the asteroid system.

Science Daily - Hera captured its first clear view of the two asteroids.

Space.com - NASA’s DART spacecraft carried out a deflection test targeting the binary asteroid system.

Science Daily - NASA’s experiment involved striking an asteroid to redirect it.

Science Daily - Hera will investigate the collision’s aftermath and seek to understand why the asteroid shifted more than scientists predicted.

WHEN:

Science Daily - NASA’s experiment took place in 2022.

(UPDATED November 3, 2026 20:03 UTC)

Europe’s Hera spacecraft has captured its first clear view of the two asteroids targeted by NASA’s deflection test. The binary system is where NASA deliberately struck a space rock to change its path. Hera will examine the collision’s aftermath and investigate why the asteroid shifted more than expected.