Hera spacecraft resolves two asteroids in Didymos system for first time
The European Space Agency's Hera spacecraft has separated the images of two asteroids in the Didymos system on October 18.
Binary nature confirmed by camera
Hera used its Asteroid Framing Camera to capture the pair on Friday evening. The smaller asteroid Dimorphos became visible for the first time in this shot. Previously the spacecraft saw the system as a single dot from 1,280 km away.
Braking maneuvers enabled close approach
Thruster firings earlier this month slowed the probe to 20 m/s relative to the targets. This speed adjustment allowed Hera to gradually come closer for fine-tuned imaging. The braking success made this initial separation of the asteroids possible.
Size comparison with Earth structures
Dimorphos measures 151 m across while Didymos spans 780 m in diameter. Scientists compare Dimorphos to the Great Pyramid and Didymos to the Burj Khalifa. The two bodies orbit each other at an average distance of 1.15 km.
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