GoKawiilBepiColombo sheds propulsion module, nears final approach to Mercury
The ESA-JAXA BepiColombo probe separated from its propulsion module on September 3, completing the final phase before entering low orbit around Mercury. The mission, delayed nearly a year after a thruster malfunction forced a slower trajectory, has traveled roughly 9.9 billion kilometers using nine gravity-assist maneuvers around Earth, Venus and Mercury.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Mercury has only been visited by two NASA probes before, since its proximity to the Sun makes braking into orbit far harder than simply getting there. BepiColombo's arrival, despite propulsion setbacks, could yield the most detailed data yet on the planet's composition, magnetic field and extreme surface conditions exceeding 800°F.
- BepiColombo's propulsion module separated on September 3, nearing Mercury orbit insertion
- A prior thruster malfunction delayed arrival by about a year, forcing a lower-power trajectory
- The mission used nine gravity-assist flybys across Earth, Venus and Mercury to control its speed
Celestron NexStar 4SE Telescope — With BepiColombo finally reaching Mercury, curiosity about our solar system's innermost planet is at an all-time high. A capable telescope like the NexStar 4SE lets you catch glimpses of Mercury and other planets from your own backyard, connecting you to the same celestial bodies these space missions explore. It's a great way to turn news about distant probes into a hands-on stargazing hobby.”,
See Celestron NexStar 4SE Telescope on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: wired.com — Ritsuko Kawai, 2026-09-21
Published there as: “After 8 Years in Space, ‘BepiColombo’ Is Finally Approaching Mercury”
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