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The four composite BepiColombo spacecraft is approaching Mercury. Solar electric propulsion thrusters are turned off, priming the spacecraft for the beginning of complex planetary arrival sequence.
Enabling & Support

Mercury arrival

24/06/2026 23 views 1 likes 523287 ID

The four composite BepiColombo spacecraft is approaching Mercury. Solar electric propulsion thrusters are turned off, priming the spacecraft for the beginning of complex planetary arrival sequence. 

The BepiColombo thrusters located in the Mercury Transfer Module switch off permanently, marking the end of solar electric propulsion.
Enabling & Support

BepiColombo thrusters switch off

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BepiColombo ion thruster
Science & Exploration

BepiColombo ion thruster

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The BepiColombo mission team eagerly gathers at ESOC's Main Control Room waiting to receive signal confirmation of the successful shutdown of the spacecraft's solar electric propulsion system.
Enabling & Support

End of BepiColombo's solar electric propulsion

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BepiColombo arrival at Mercury timeline
Science & Exploration

BepiColombo arrival at Mercury timeline

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BepiColombo Mercury flyby
Science & Exploration

BepiColombo Mercury flyby

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