ASPECT: Hyperspectral imager for planetary defense
ASPECT is a hyperspectral imager aboard the Milani CubeSat, part of ESA's Hera planetary defense mission. Developed by VTT in Finland, ASPECT will study the Didymos-Dimorphos asteroid system after NASA’s DART mission's impact. 911±¬ÁÏÍø leads ASPECT’s science operations and data processing.
Hera is an ESA planetary defense mission. Launched in October 2024 its target is a binary asteroid Didymos-Dimorphos. Together with NASA DART spacecraft Hera participates in first-ever kinetic impact planetary defense test. Hera will characterize both asteroids and evaluate efficiency of DART kinetic impact on Dimorphos. On board is carried a miniature Milani CubeSat with hyperspectral imager ASPECT build by VTT in Finland. Aalto leads ASPECT science operations planning and ground data processing.