BepiColombo begins high-risk arrival at Mercury after eight-year journey

The BepiColombo spacecraft, carrying European and Japanese probes, began its high-risk arrival phase at Mercury on Thursday after an eight-year journey, aiming to study the Sun-scorched planet. The European Space Agency called it its most operationally challenging planetary arrival sequence ever attempted. The spacecraft autonomously separated its two attached probes from the transfer module on Thursday, a crucial first step, with the signal confirming success reaching Earth nearly two hours later. The probes are due to enter Mercury's orbit on November 21, with a further separation into their respective orbits planned for December 9 and 10. Mercury is the least studied of the solar system's four rocky inner planets, and the 1.7-billion-euro mission aims to open a new chapter in understanding its magnetic field, iron core, and surface. The ESA's MPO orbiter will study the planet from 480 km, while Japan's Mio will examine its space environment from up to 11,000 km away.