The recent issue with BepiColombos propulsion system could risk its ability to complete its upcoming gravity assist.
As a result, BepiColombos full thrust still cant be restored.
BepiColombo is scheduled for its fourth gravity assist at Mercury in September before its final orbital insertion.
Artist’s impression of the BepiColombo spacecraft with a view of Mercury in the background.Illustration: ESA/ATG medialab; Mercury: NASA/JPL
Team members are also trying to figure out the root cause of the issue.
Were rooting for this pair to make it to Mercury, gathering data about the solar systems underdog planet.
For more spaceflight in your life, follow us onXand bookmark Gizmodos dedicatedSpaceflight page.
News from the future, delivered to your present.
