Video: Hera Propulsion Module leak test, in time-lapse

ESA’s Hera mission for planetary protection will carry out a close-up survey of the Dimorphos asteroid in deep space. However first Hera must cross thousands and thousands of kilometers of space to get there. That’s the process of Hera’s Propulsion Module, forming round half of the general spacecraft, which has been ready by Italy’s Avio firm.

Shaped of a central tube plus a supporting construction, the Module has been fitted with propellant tanks, piping and thrusters (contained in the purple protecting covers). However earlier than it may be joined to Hera’s different aspect, the Core Module, this Propulsion Module needed to bear its essential “world leak take a look at”—as seen on this video.

The Module was crammed with gaseous nitrogen, then positioned inside its container. Sensors added to the inside can detect any strain change contained in the container over the course of the night time. Success means Hera is able to journey to OHB in Germany to be mated with the Core Module. At this level the Hera spacecraft can be full, and the mission will come a serious step nearer to space. Subsequent rendezvous for Hera is the Environmental Check marketing campaign at ESTEC, to verify Hera survives within the harsh launch and space atmosphere.