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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedSeptember 3, 2026Miami-Dade

BepiColombo spacecraft separate to begin final approach to Mercury

Two linked European and Japanese spacecraft have separated from their cruiser to begin the final stage of a decade-long mission to orbit and study Mercury. The spacecraft are scheduled to enter orbit in November and split in December to begin mapping the planet's surface and magnetic field.

space explorationscienceMercuryBepiColomboEuropean Space AgencyJapan Aerospace Exploration Agency
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Why It Matters

The $2 billion BepiColombo mission represents a major international effort to study the solar system's smallest planet, which has only been visited by one other spacecraft in history.

Key Facts

  • The BepiColombo mission is a joint project between European and Japanese space agencies.
  • The mission cost is approximately $2 billion.
  • The spacecraft launched in 2018 and has traveled over 6 billion miles.
  • The spacecraft will enter Mercury's orbit in November 2025.
  • The spacecraft will separate in December 2025 to map the planet from different altitudes.
  • Science observations are scheduled to begin in the spring of 2026.
  • Mercury surface temperatures can reach 800 degrees Fahrenheit (427 degrees Celsius).
  • The mission aims to study Mercury's magnetic field, interior, and surface geology.
  • The spacecraft required nine planetary flybys to reach its destination.
  • Only one other spacecraft, NASA's Messenger, has previously explored Mercury.

Who's Mentioned

personGeraint Jones“Lead project scientist.”organizationNASA“Agency that conducted the Mariner 10 and Messenger missions.”otherBepiColombo“The joint European and Japanese spacecraft mission to Mercury.”personIgnacio Tanco“Mission operations chief.”personSanta Martinez“Mission manager.”organizationEuropean Space Agency“Primary funder and operator of the mission.”