Thu Oct 31 15:59:57 UTC 2024: ## Hera Mission Robots Dress Up for Halloween

The European Space Agency’s Hera mission, which aims to study the Didymos asteroid system, has taken a lighthearted approach to promoting its scientific endeavors. The team behind the mission has released images of the Hera spacecraft, along with its accompanying CubeSats, dressed up for Halloween.

The three robots, Hera, Milani, and Juventas, are featured in costumes referencing their respective roles in the mission. Hera, the main spacecraft, is dubbed the “asteroid detective,” while Milani, tasked with analyzing the asteroid’s composition, is a “rock decoder.” Juventas, responsible for mapping the asteroid’s surface using radar, is a “radar visionary.”

This playful approach is part of the ESA’s efforts to engage the public with the mission. The agency has launched a series titled “The Incredible Adventures of the Hera Mission,” which showcases the robots in their “out-of-costume” form, highlighting their scientific capabilities and the importance of asteroid research.

The Hera mission, set to launch in 2024, will play a crucial role in understanding asteroid dynamics and developing strategies for planetary defense against potential asteroid impacts.

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