Hera and asteroid Otero at time of observation

A plot of the inner Solar System showing the orbits and locations of Hera and the asteroids Otero and Didymos, as of May 2025. This is a projection on the ecliptic plane made using real orbit data.

Hera launched from Earth on 7 October 2024. It flew past Mars on 12 March 2025, where it used the planet’s gravity to alter its trajectory and align it for arrival at its target asteroid, Didymos, in late 2026. In the meantime, Hera will have the opportunity to test its Asteroid Framing Camera by attempting to observe other asteroids in its vicinity, such as 1126 Otero.