Summary
In 2000, the European and Japanese space agencies decided to jointly develop the BepiColombo mission. This mission involves two orbiters. The European-designed MPO will study the surface, interior and lower atmosphere of Mercury. The Japanese MMO orbiter's main objective will be to study the planet's magnetic field.
They will cruise together, propelled by a third module MTM until they are put into orbit around Mercury.
However, sending out such a mission involves major technical challenges. Being so close to the Sun will expose the probe and its instruments to a very high level of radiation and temperatures ranging from -180°C on the night side to +450°C on the day side. These extreme conditions will require the implementation of new instrumentation concepts, such as PHEBUS (ultra-violet spectrometer) or SIMBIO-SYS.
After 18 years of development, the probe was launched towards Mercury on October 18, 2018. It will not reach its destination until 2025.
They will cruise together, propelled by a third module MTM until they are put into orbit around Mercury.
However, sending out such a mission involves major technical challenges. Being so close to the Sun will expose the probe and its instruments to a very high level of radiation and temperatures ranging from -180°C on the night side to +450°C on the day side. These extreme conditions will require the implementation of new instrumentation concepts, such as PHEBUS (ultra-violet spectrometer) or SIMBIO-SYS.
After 18 years of development, the probe was launched towards Mercury on October 18, 2018. It will not reach its destination until 2025.
