AI Insight
On June 15, 2026, the BepiColombo spacecraft deactivated its solar electric propulsion system after an eight-year journey through the inner Solar System. This shutdown marks the completion of the spacecraft's cruise phase and the beginning of its arrival operations at Mercury. The blue glow mentioned refers to the visible ionized xenon exhaust produced by the electric propulsion thrusters during operation.
Why it matters
This milestone represents a significant achievement in deep space exploration, as BepiColombo will become one of only two missions to orbit Mercury, enabling detailed study of the planet's composition, magnetic field, and geology. The successful use of solar electric propulsion over eight years demonstrates the viability of this efficient technology for future long-duration interplanetary missions.
Understand the Science
At 15:24 CEST on 15 June 2026, a faint blue glow in space was switched off for the last time. After powering BepiColombo‘s eight-year journey across the inner Solar System, the spacecraft’s solar electric propulsion (SEP) system completed its final thrust arc, marking the end of BepiColombo’s long cruise phase and the beginning of its arrival at Mercury.
Source: End of the blue glow: BepiColombo turns off solar electric propulsion for Mercury arrival