GomSpace and the European Space Agency (ESA) have signed a contract change notice of 325.000€ (3.8MSEK) to support additional project activities. Further strengthening the relationship in the frame of the HERA mission and on the Juventas spacecraft, GomSpace and ESA signed a contract amendment for 325.000€, which will take full effect this year. The amendment aims to support activities adding particular value to the long-term exploitation of the mission and during the initial launch phases.
“All HERA mission participants have worked hard to get ready for the mission launch, and we have now our sights set on the Didymos asteroid system where we will arrive in December 2026 to learn new things about the composition of our solar system and the risks imposed to Earth by asteroids”, says Ian Carnelli, ESA HERA Mission manager.
GomSpace’s Juventas nanosatellite is one of two nanosatellites “hitching” a ride on the larger HERA spacecraft to the asteroid. Once there, it will use its instruments, including a radar payload, to characterize the asteroid moon, Dimorphos.
“Small satellites play a crucial role in enhancing the capabilities of larger exploratory missions. With their advanced technology and cost-efficiency, nano- and microsatellites significantly broaden the scope of scientific research by providing multiple viewpoints and expanding sensor ranges, all at a fraction of the cost of larger satellites. We are proud of our work and to support this visionary mission and of our great relationship with the European Space Agency“, says Carsten Drachmann, CEO of GomSpace.
The HERA Spacecraft, with Juventas on board, successfully launched on Monday, October 7.
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