On October 7th, 2024, the European Space Agency (ESA) launched the Hera probe, embarking on a mission to explore Dimorphos, a small moon orbiting within the Didymos binary asteroid system. Scheduled to arrive in December 2026, Hera represents a critical step in humanity’s effort to safeguard Earth against asteroid threats. This mission builds upon the success of NASA’s DART (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) mission, which, in September 2022, demonstrated the feasibility of altering an asteroid's trajectory by intentionally colliding with Dimorphos. Together, DART and Hera aim to validate a planetary defense system that could be deployed if Earth were ever at risk of an asteroid collision.
Hera’s mission highlights significant contributions from Italy, particularly through advanced technology integrated into its design. The probe will release two CubeSats, small satellite platforms that will enhance the mission’s observational capabilities. Among them is Milani, a cutting-edge CubeSat developed by the Italian company Tyvak. Milani will conduct high-resolution multispectral imaging of Dimorphos’ surface, offering new insights into the moon’s composition and physical characteristics.
At the heart of Milani is a groundbreaking instrument known as VISTA (Volatile In Situ Thermogravimeter Analyser). This sensor, built by an Italian consortium of research institutions led by the National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF), will analyze the dust and volatile environment within the Didymos-Dimorphos system. The Politecnico di Milano and CNR-IIA contributed to the design and functionality of this innovative tool, cementing Italy’s leadership in space exploration technology.
The MetroSpace Lab, part of the Department of Mechanical Engineering of Politecnico di Milano located in the Lecco campus, played a pivotal role in VISTA’s development. Under the coordination of Diego Scaccabarozzi, the research team was responsible for the thermomechanical design and qualification and acceptance testing. Their work allowed for VISTA’s design validation, proving its capability to withstand the harsh conditions of space travel. The activity delivered the flight models (spare and flight) needed for the mission.
As Hera ventures into the depths of space, it not only pushes the boundaries of planetary science but also serves as proof of the extraordinary achievements of Italian researchers and engineers. By contributing cutting-edge technologies, Italy is helping to ensure humanity's readiness to face potential asteroid threats, protecting our planet and advancing our understanding of the cosmos.