BepiColombo Set for Milestone Mercury Flyby on December 1, 2024

On December 1, 2024, the BepiColombo spacecraft is poised to achieve a significant milestone as it executes its fifth flyby of Mercury. This flyby is not only a fascinating moment in itself but serves a vital role in preparing the mission for its ultimate goal: entering orbit around Mercury in 2026. As BepiColombo approaches Mercury, it will glide through the complex gravitational landscape between the planet and the Sun, coming as close as 37,630 km from Mercury’s surface. This distance is notably farther than previous flybys, where the spacecraft ventured within a mere 165 to 240 km.

A standout feature of this particular flyby is the activation of BepiColombo’s MERTIS instrument—an advanced radiometer and thermal infrared spectrometer. MERTIS will measure the infrared emissions from Mercury, providing critical insights into the planet’s thermal characteristics and surface composition. This first-time observation in mid-infrared wavelengths (ranging from 7 to 14 micrometers) represents a groundbreaking achievement in planetary science. By analyzing the infrared data collected, researchers will glean information about the mineral composition of Mercury’s surface, addressing some of the fundamental mysteries surrounding this enigmatic planet.

During this flyby, several other scientific instruments aboard BepiColombo will also be active, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of Mercury’s environment. Key instruments include:

• MPO-MAG: Magnetometer for measuring Mercury’s magnetic field.
• MMO-MGF: Magnetospheric investigation tool for analyzing the planet’s magnetosphere.
• MGNS: Gamma-ray and neutron spectrometer to study surface composition and geochemical processes.
• SIXS: X-ray and particle spectrometer to assess solar and cosmic radiation impacts.
• MDM: Dust monitor to observe the space environment and detect micro-particles.
• PWI: Instrument for detecting electric fields, plasma waves, and radio waves.

BepiColombo is a collaborative mission between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). This complex endeavor is notable not just for its technological innovations but also for its scientific ambition. It comprises two orbiters—the Mercury Planetary Orbiter from ESA and the Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter from JAXA—both housed within the Mercury Transfer Module as they journey to their final destination.

As the spacecraft approaches its fifth flyby, it will be completing a carefully orchestrated series of gravitational assists that have been crucial for adjusting its trajectory and speed. Each flyby has been meticulously designed to provide data while minimizing fuel consumption, showcasing the precision engineering behind this mission. The flyby itself will be a remarkable event, offering a fleeting yet pivotal moment to capture data that will enrich our understanding of Mercury’s geological and atmospheric conditions.

Experts anticipate that the data collected from this flyby will enable scientists to create a more complete picture of Mercury’s history and geophysical properties, unlocking secrets that have remained hidden for decades. By using the unique capabilities of the MERTIS instrument alongside other onboard sensors, BepiColombo’s fifth flyby is set to be a cornerstone event in our quest to understand the nature of the Solar System’s innermost planet.

In a broader context, the mission’s outcomes are expected to have implications beyond Mercury, providing insights into planet formation and evolution that may be relevant to exoplanets and other celestial bodies. As the scientific community eagerly awaits the data, BepiColombo continues to push the boundaries of exploration and understanding, bridging the gap between Earth and the mysteries of the cosmos.