'A new mission starting today': 8 years after launch, BepiColombo begins Mercury arrival

The BepiColombo spacecraft commenced its journey to Mercury on October 1, 2023, marking the culmination of an ambitious eight-year voyage through the inner solar system. The probe’s approach to the planet began following a series of critical maneuvers designed to adjust its trajectory and velocity. Scientists are anticipating that BepiColombo will enter orbit around Mercury in late November 2023 after completing several flybys. This mission represents a significant step forward in our understanding of this innermost planet, utilizing advanced instruments to study its surface, atmosphere, and magnetic field. Data collected during the orbital phase is expected to provide invaluable insights into Mercury's formation and evolution.