AI Insight
The BepiColombo mission, a joint venture between ESA and JAXA launched in October 2018, is approaching Mercury after nearly eight years of travel through space. The spacecraft has used planetary flybys and solar-electric propulsion to reach the innermost planet of our solar system. The BELA laser altimeter instrument is prepared to map and study Mercury's surface once the mission arrives at its destination.
Why it matters
This mission will provide detailed topographical data of Mercury's surface, helping scientists better understand the formation and evolution of rocky planets closest to the Sun. The data gathered could reveal insights into planetary geology and the extreme conditions near our star.
Understand the Science
Launched on Oct. 20, 2018, the joint ESA/JAXA BepiColombo mission has traveled for almost eight years, using a carefully planned but eventful sequence of planetary flybys and solar-electric propulsion to gradually approach its destination, Mercury. The mission is now entering the final stage of its journey to the smallest and innermost planet of our solar system.
Source: Laser altimeter BELA ready to explore Mercury's surface