BepiColombo nears Mercury with Graz-built magnetometer

After an eight-year journey, the BepiColombo spacecraft has reached the vicinity of Mercury, carrying a magnetometer developed in Graz. ORF reports that the mission is the first to reach the planet’s vicinity in 10 years.

At 2 p.m., the spacecraft’s two research probes are scheduled to separate from their propulsion module. They are expected to reach their planned orbits in the coming weeks. BepiColombo has already travelled 10 billion kilometres through space.

“We expect unprecedented images of the planet Mercury for humanity and science,” said ESA mission leader Santa Martinez. “We are opening a new chapter in understanding our solar system.”

Scientists hope the mission will help explain Mercury’s magnetic field, whose origin remains unclear. The magnetometer, developed by Werner Magnes at the Institute for Space Research in Graz, measures both the strength and direction of the field.

Magnes and his team have waited almost 15 years to activate the instrument. The mission’s launch was delayed several times before the spacecraft spent eight years travelling to Mercury.

Magnes said the instrument remained suitable for the mission despite its age, noting that space research prioritises reliability over using the newest electronics.

The instruments must withstand temperatures of up to 450 degrees Celsius because sunlight at Mercury is 10 times stronger than on Earth. ESA space engineer Ignacio Tanco compared the conditions to “constantly working with a very hot pizza oven at your back.”

Scientists from ESA and the Institute for Space Research in Graz plan to watch the livestream together. Magnes said they hoped to celebrate with champagne if the separation and mission proceed successfully.