Dutch Innovation Helps Capture Unseen Side of Mars' Moon Deimos
Leiden, Tuesday, 18 March 2025.
The Dutch company cosine’s HyperScout H camera provided the first image of the far side of Deimos during ESA’s Hera mission, aiding in understanding its origin.
Breakthrough in Space Imaging Technology
On March 12, 2025, cosine’s HyperScout H camera achieved a remarkable milestone during the European Space Agency’s Hera mission, capturing unprecedented spectral images of Mars and its moon Deimos. The spacecraft approached within 5,000 kilometers of Mars’ surface and came as close as 300 kilometers to Deimos [1][2]. The imaging system, developed by the Sassenheim-based technology company, demonstrated its capability to function effectively in deep space conditions, marking a significant advancement in Dutch space technology [3].
Technical Innovation and Adaptation
The HyperScout H represents a significant evolution in space imaging technology. Originally designed for Earth observation, the camera was specially modified for deep space operations, requiring extensive engineering to withstand intense radiation and extreme temperature variations while maintaining its compact form and reliability. A dedicated team of ten specialists at cosine spent two years developing this robust imaging system [3]. The instrument’s hyperspectral capabilities allow it to capture not only visible light but also spectral data beyond human vision, providing crucial scientific insights into the composition of celestial bodies [1].
Future Mission Objectives
The Mars-Deimos imaging operation serves as a crucial test for the HyperScout H’s primary mission objective. In December 2026, the instrument will play a vital role in analyzing the asteroid Dimorphos, as part of ESA’s planetary defense initiative [1]. This mission follows NASA’s successful DART mission in 2022, which demonstrated the possibility of altering an asteroid’s orbit [1]. Dr. Marco Esposito, Managing Director of cosine Remote Sensing, emphasized the significance of the achievement, noting that the technology’s performance in deep space marks a remarkable milestone in space exploration [1].