BepiColombo – two satellites launched together

Mission Objective

The BepiColombo mission is to make an extensive study of Mercury. The study includes the characterization of Mercury’s magnetosphere, magnetic field, and planetary structure. 

Mission Significance 

BepiColombo is the second mission ever to Mercury! Mercury is the least explored among the inner Solar System’s four rocky planets. Its proximity to the sun causes great observatory challenges. The study and the investigation of Mercury might provide valuable insights into the history of the entire solar system! 

Mission Components

The mission includes 3 components in total:

• MPO – Mercury Planetary Orbiter
• MIO – Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter (MMO)
• MTM – Mercury Transfer Module 

MPO and MIO were launched together.

Methodology Overview

During the launch, the three components are joined together. 

Upon arrival at Mercury, MIO and MPO satellites will separate into independent spacecrafts. The main role of MTM is to carry and support MIO and MPO during the journey.

Each of them is equipped with its various scientific instruments and therefore each will observe Mercury individually.

BepiColombo’s Main Study Goals

• Mercury’s geology: the planet’s form, structure, and composition and its carters.
• Mercury’s exosphere: its composition and dynamics.
• Mercury’s magnetosphere: structure and dynamics.
• The origin of its magnetic field.
• Verification of Einstein’s General Relativity Theory.

Study Goals Explained

Mercury’s small size and high temperatures affect many of its basic characteristics. One example is it is unable to maintain a substantial atmosphere for an extended period. However, it does possess a tenuous exosphere closely bound to its surface. The exosphere includes elements such as hydrogen, helium, oxygen, sodium, calcium, potassium, and trace elements. 

Since Mercury is the least investigated planet among the rocky planets in our solar system, it is the most mysterious one. The primary study goals will allow us to answer some of the most unknown queries about Mercury and might solve some riddles that have existed for years. 

Name Origin

The mission is named after the Italian scientist Giuseppe “Bepi” Colombo. Giuseppe lived during the 20th century. He was a scientist, engineer, and mathematician who studied the planet Mercury. He was the first to propose the interplanetary gravity assist. A gravity assist is a type of spaceflight flyby that exploits the gravity and the relative movement of an astronomical object that alters the spacecraft’s pass.

BepiColombo Schedule

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