BepiColombo spacecraft begins autonomous separation en route to Mercury

BepiColombo spacecraft begins autonomous separation en route to Mercury

Science Technology

ESA and JAXA reported that on 3 September the BepiColombo spacecraft began autonomous separation of its two orbiters en route to Mercury, a step confirmed on 6 September. Earlier reports said the mission had been preparing for the separation, with Gizmodo noting the planned detachment of the Mercury Transfer Module on 3 September to start the final polar-orbit phase. CNN added that the spacecraft would begin orbital insertion after a series of flybys covering more than six billion miles since launch, and AP News confirmed the successful detachment and said orbital insertion is expected in November.

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European Space Agency (ESA) Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) BepiColombo mission Mercury Transfer Module Mercury Planet Orbiter Mercury Magnetosphere Orbiter

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September 06, 2026
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BepiColombo spacecraft separate from carrier as they near Mercury after decade-long journey
BepiColombo spacecraft separate from carrier as they near Mercury after decade-long journey

The Weather Channel • 06 Sep 04:00

The European-Japanese BepiColombo probe detached from its carrier on Thursday and is on track to reach Mercury in November, with scientific observations slated to begin next spring.

Credibility 73% Manip. 8% Center
September 03, 2026
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ESA's BepiColombo spacecraft begins autonomous separation en route to Mercury
ESA's BepiColombo spacecraft begins autonomous separation en route to Mercury

yahoo.com • 03 Sep 15:09

The joint European-Japanese BepiColombo mission started its final approach to Mercury, successfully separating its two orbiters after an eight-year, 10-billion-kilometre journey.

Credibility 72% Manip. 9% Center
BepiColombo spacecraft separate from carrier as mission nears Mercury orbit
BepiColombo spacecraft separate from carrier as mission nears Mercury orbit

AP News • 03 Sep 14:57

The European and Japanese components of the BepiColombo probe successfully detached from their carrier and continue toward Mercury, with orbital insertion expected in November.

Credibility 78% Manip. 7% Center
ESA-JAXA BepiColombo spacecraft separates en route to Mercury after eight-year journey
ESA-JAXA BepiColombo spacecraft separates en route to Mercury after eight-year journey

CNN • 03 Sep 07:00

The joint ESA-JAXA BepiColombo mission is set to detach its transfer module and begin orbital insertion around Mercury, with a series of flybys and electric propulsion having taken it over six billion miles since its 2018 launch.

Credibility 78% Manip. 8% Center
September 01, 2026
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BepiColombo prepares for spacecraft separation ahead of Mercury orbit insertion
BepiColombo prepares for spacecraft separation ahead of Mercury orbit insertion

Gizmodo • 01 Sep 17:15

ESA and JAXA's BepiColombo mission will separate its Mercury Transfer Module from the two orbiters on Sept. 3, beginning the final phase that will place each probe into polar orbit around Mercury after a delayed eight-year journey.

Credibility 72% Manip. 8% Center

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