The FAA has authorized the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket for the highly anticipated launch of the European Space Agency's Hera mission, scheduled for October 7. This mission aims to investigate the asteroid Dimorphos, which was recently deflected by a NASA impact test. Despite a stormy weather forecast raising concerns about potential delays, the Hera spacecraft is set to embark on a significant 'crime scene investigation' to learn more about the effects of planetary defense measures. In what marks a major collaboration in space exploration, astronomers, including participants from Belfast, are eagerly preparing for this groundbreaking mission that could offer invaluable insights into asteroid threats to Earth. The launch will be streamed live, as the space community watches closely to see if all systems are go for Falcon 9 after prior grounding incidents.