BepiColombo makes the first photo in space

BepiColombo takes another seven years to reach Mercurius, but that does not stop the spacecraft from taking photos

Soon after its launch on October 20, the mercury transfer module BepiColombo did its all first picture in space. We see here one of the solar panels that was unveiled just before the moment of the photo. Bottom left, you see one of the MTM's solar collectors. This sensor is protected by a few layers of insulating material.

The transfer module is equipped with three cameras. All these cameras produce black and white photos with a resolution of 1024 x 1024 pixels. Not very impressive, but you do not have to. The Mercury Planetary Orbiter (MPO) has a much better camera to create beautiful images of Mercury. This camera can only be used in 2025 if the MTM and MPO separate.

A Difficult Journey
BepiColombo goes to the inner planet and the smallest of our solar system. It promises to be a difficult journey. "BepiColombo is one of the most complex interplanetary missions we have ever undertaken," said Andrea Accomazzo, also associated with ESA. "One of the biggest challenges is the enormous gravity of the sun, which makes it difficult to place a spacecraft in stable orbit around Mercury."

From extreme cold to stifling heat
In addition, the spacecraft to cope with extreme temperatures between -180 and 450 degrees Celsius. "We have to overcome many obstacles in the coming years," says Ulrich Reininghaus, Project Manager at ESA

Answers to Questions
The purpose of the mission is to determine if Mercury is still tactically active. Scientists also want to know what the planet looks like and where it comes from.

BepiColombo approaching Mercury. Picture of BepiColombo: Medialab ESA / ATG. Picture of Mercure: NASA / JPL