The Falcon 9 rocket shares breathtaking images of our planet as it successfully deploys the European space agency’s Hera spacecraft.
On 7 October 2024, SpaceX made headlines not just for launching the European Space Agency’s Hera asteroid mission but also for capturing a remarkable view of Earth from space. As the Falcon 9 rocket ascended, it snapped an awe-inspiring image that showcased our planet’s vibrant blues against the vastness of space, framed by the nozzle of its upper-stage Merlin engine.
The photograph is particularly striking, as it presents a distant Earth, smaller than usual, highlighting the altitude of the Falcon 9’s upper stage as it made its way towards interplanetary transfer orbit. Approximately 76 minutes post-launch, the upper stage successfully deployed the Hera spacecraft, marking a significant achievement in the mission.
The journey to achieve this orbit wasn’t without its challenges. The first stage of the Falcon 9, which had previously completed 22 flights, ran out of fuel and could not return to Earth for a landing, concluding its operational career. John Insprucker, a principal integration engineer at SpaceX, acknowledged the booster’s contribution during the launch webcast, expressing gratitude for its service.
Hera’s mission is to explore a binary asteroid system comprising Didymos and its smaller companion, Dimorphos. The spacecraft is set to arrive in late 2026, pending successful navigation through the cosmos. This mission follows NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART), which deliberately crashed into Dimorphos in September 2022 to test asteroid deflection strategies.
Hera aims to gather vital data about the impact site, studying the crater created by DART and verifying other observations from remote sensing and modelling. The spacecraft is equipped with two cubesats to assist in its data collection efforts, enhancing its ability to deliver critical insights about the asteroid system.
As the space community eagerly anticipates Hera’s findings, the successful launch and stunning imagery serve as a reminder of humanity’s ongoing exploration of the universe and our efforts to safeguard our planet from potential asteroid threats.
