When is the next Florida launch?Is there a launch today? Upcoming SpaceX, NASA, ULA rocket launch schedule from Florida The mission was aimed at testing a possible planetary defense method to redirect asteroids that pose a threat to Earth. Hera is a follow-up mission which includes a close look at the area where DART impacted. There is currently no threat of an asteroid approaching Earth — these are purely tests. Set to arrive at the asteroids in 2026, Hera will take close measurements of the changes to the asteroid's orbit. Collaborating with the Hera team are 12 NASA scientists ready to review and compare data. ESA and NASA describe the Hera spacecraft as "box-shaped base on a central tube and adapter cone." The spacecraft has two solar panel wings to assist with power, which measure around 13 square meters when deployed. It will navigate to its destination with assistance of NavCams alongside a star- and sun-tracker. SpaceX launches Hera mission ahead of Florida Hurricane Milton