BepiColombo completes key maneuver on final approach to Mercury

The European-Japanese space probe BepiColombo successfully completed its riskiest maneuver, separating its propulsion module and setting course for Mercury. This critical step clears the way for its two orbiters to begin studying the smallest planet. The separation of the no-longer-needed propulsion module was deemed a high-risk operation with only one chance for success, as it is essential for placing the orbiters into their correct, distinct trajectories. Due to the vast distance, signals take over eleven minutes to travel one way, preventing immediate corrections. The probe is now in free fall toward Mercury. The mission remains dangerous due to the extreme gravitational pull and high temperatures near the Sun. Having traveled billions of kilometers, the two orbiters are now on their final approach to their planned orbits around the planet.