The 1998 film *Armageddon* depicted a dramatic race to prevent an asteroid from destroying Earth. However, protecting our planet from such threats relies not on explosions or heroic stunts but on science and technological innovation. This is where the European Space Agency's (ESA) Hera mission comes in. As part of an international planetary defense effort, Hera is set to launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral. Portugal, with its cutting-edge technological expertise, is playing a crucial role in this pioneering mission designed to study the binary asteroid system of Didymos and Dimorphos, and to gather key data that could one day protect Earth.

Portugal’s participation in the Hera mission involves several prominent technology companies that have developed innovative solutions vital to the mission’s success. The mission builds on NASA’s DART mission, which successfully altered the orbit of Dimorphos in 2022 by colliding a spacecraft with the asteroid. Hera will follow up by closely analyzing the impact crater left by DART and studying the changes to the smaller asteroid's orbit around its larger companion, Didymos. These observations will provide invaluable data for determining how effective kinetic impact techniques can be for planetary defense.

This historic mission represents humanity's first attempt to alter the trajectory of an asteroid, a major step in planetary defense strategy. While the initial DART test was successful, scientists need more information to ensure that similar strategies can be applied to deflect asteroids of varying sizes and structures in the future. Hera will be equipped with high-resolution cameras, laser altimeters, and infrared spectrometers to map the surface and internal structure of Dimorphos. This in-depth analysis will allow researchers to evaluate the true effectiveness of the kinetic impact method as a viable defense mechanism.

Portugal's involvement in the mission was made possible through its contribution to the ESA's Space19+ ministerial summit, and further reinforced at the 2022 summit. Portuguese companies have provided groundbreaking technology for the mission, showcasing the nation’s capabilities in space innovation. Among these companies is TEKEVER, which has developed a sophisticated communication system between satellites that will enable Hera’s CubeSats to communicate and coordinate as they gather crucial data from the asteroid system. This innovation is critical for the success of the mission, as the CubeSats will be tasked with mapping the asteroid's surface in detail and analyzing its internal structure.

Another key contribution comes from GMV, which has developed an autonomous guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) system for the Hera spacecraft. This system allows the probe to approach Dimorphos with extraordinary precision, even under the challenging conditions of near-zero gravity. The system is designed to execute complex maneuvers with millimeter-level accuracy, making autonomous decisions based on images captured by the spacecraft’s onboard cameras. This level of autonomy is essential, given the vast distance between the spacecraft and Earth, which requires Hera to perform some operations without real-time human input.

Furthermore, FHP, a Portuguese company specializing in thermal protection, has designed the multilayer insulation (MLI) that will protect Hera from the extreme temperatures of space. This thermal shield ensures the spacecraft can operate effectively throughout its mission, safeguarding its sensitive instruments and systems from the harsh conditions of space. The success of this protection is vital for Hera’s long-term performance as it travels millions of kilometers from Earth to reach the asteroid system.

The technological innovations developed by these Portuguese companies not only play a crucial role in the success of the Hera mission but also demonstrate the country’s growing expertise in the space sector. The advanced communications systems, autonomous navigation technologies, and thermal protection solutions developed for Hera will serve as a foundation for future planetary defense missions. These innovations may also inspire further advancements in space exploration, helping humanity better understand and protect itself from potential space threats.

Hera’s mission represents a new chapter in planetary defense, transforming what once seemed like science fiction into a practical strategy for safeguarding Earth. As part of a broader international collaboration, Portugal's contributions highlight its capacity for innovation and its commitment to ensuring the security of our planet. If successful, Hera’s findings will not only enhance our understanding of asteroids but will also pave the way for more effective responses to potential space threats in the future.

The spacecraft is expected to pass by Mars in early 2025 and reach the asteroid system in December 2026, over 177 million kilometers from Earth. As science fiction continues to inspire, it is missions like Hera—grounded in cutting-edge technology and international cooperation—that offer real solutions to protect our planet from the dangers of space.

Author

Paulo Lopes is a multi-talent Portuguese citizen who made his Master of Economics in Switzerland and studied law at Lusófona in Lisbon - CEO of Casaiberia in Lisbon and Algarve.

Paulo Lopes