OCTOBER 19, 2018: The Launch of BepiColombo

Mercury is only 36 miles from the Sun, but there have only been two previous missions to examine our smallest planet’s properties. On October 19, however, a joint venture between Europe and Japan – BepiColombo – consists of two spacecraft, which separated once they reached orbit. Europe took command of one, and Japan the other. The two satellites, working together, will investigate all there is to know about Mercury – from its magnetic field to its surface and interior. Scientists believe BepiColombo has the potential to solve the many mysteries of Mercury, but can also provide some clues as to how the solar system formed and whether surrounding exoplanets may be habitable. Launched on top of a European Ariane 5 rocket, the spacecraft will arrive at Mercury in 2025.