The BepiColombo mission is a joint project between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) aimed at exploring Mercury, the closest planet to the Sun. Launched on October 20, 2018, the mission consists of two scientific orbiters: the Mercury Planetary Orbiter (MPO) and the Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter (MMO). These orbiters will study Mercury's composition, geophysics, atmosphere, magnetosphere, and history.
Mercury is a key planet to study because it holds vital clues to understanding the formation and evolution of our solar system. Its proximity to the Sun and extreme conditions provide a unique environment to study planetary processes. Additionally, Mercury's large iron core and magnetic field present intriguing scientific questions about its formation and geological history.
The main scientific goals of the BepiColombo mission include understanding Mercury's structure and geological history, investigating its magnetic field and magnetosphere, studying the composition and dynamics of its exosphere, and analyzing its surface processes. These objectives aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of Mercury and contribute to broader planetary science.
BepiColombo is expected to reach Mercury in December 2025, after a seven-year journey. The mission uses a series of gravity-assist maneuvers, including flybys of Earth, Venus, and Mercury, to slow down and adjust its trajectory for a successful insertion into Mercury's orbit.
The BepiColombo spacecraft carries a suite of scientific instruments on both the Mercury Planetary Orbiter (MPO) and the Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter (MMO). These instruments include spectrometers, magnetometers, accelerometers, radiometers, and cameras, among others. They are designed to perform detailed measurements of Mercury's surface, magnetic field, exosphere, and internal structure.