The BepiColombo probe, a joint project of the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), successfully separated the MTM transfer module from the two scientific orbiters on September 3, 2026.
This event marked the beginning of the final arrival phase at Mercury after eight years of flight. The mission was launched in October 2018, and during this time the spacecraft performed nine gravity-assist maneuvers at Earth, Venus, and Mercury.
The separation of the MTM went according to plan. Signal confirmation arrived at the ESA control center in Darmstadt almost two hours later. The spacecraft will continue along a ballistic trajectory.
In November 2026, the composite spacecraft will enter orbit around Mercury. In December, the MPO and Mio will separate, and the scientific phase of the mission will begin in April 2027.
Arrival at Mercury is one of ESA's most complex operations due to the planet's weak gravity and proximity to the Sun. How will this stage affect our understanding of the formation of the planet closest to the star?
The mission will allow, for the first time, simultaneous study of Mercury by two independent orbiters with complementary instruments.
