BepiColombo Transfer Module Separation Announced for September 2026
ESA has confirmed the MTM separation milestone for the BepiColombo mission. The two science orbiters will then enter Mercury orbit in November 2026, and scientific observations are set to begin in April 2027. Italian instruments and industrial partners play a central role.
- The BepiColombo Transfer Module separation is announced for September 2026, clearing the way for MPO and Mio to continue toward Mercury.
- MPO and Mio are scheduled to insert into their respective Mercury orbits in November 2026.
- BepiColombo's scientific observation phase is set to begin in April 2027.
- Four Italian-funded instruments — SIMBIO-SYS, ISA, MORE and SERENA — are financed by ASI, with contributions from Leonardo, Thales Alenia Space Italia and OHB Italia.
What happened
On 3 September 2026, the European Space Agency announced that the BepiColombo Transfer Module (MTM) will separate from the two science orbiters. The step is critical for the mission’s next phase, clearing the way for the MPO and Mio spacecraft to continue toward Mercury orbit insertion.
What we know
The MTM separation milestone involves the detachment of the transfer module from both the Mercury Planetary Orbiter (MPO) and the Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter (Mio).
According to the current timeline, MPO and Mio will be inserted into their respective orbits around Mercury in November 2026.
The start of the scientific observation phase is set for April 2027.
The mission carries four Italian‑funded instruments — SIMBIO-SYS, ISA, MORE, and SERENA — all financed by the Italian Space Agency (ASI).
The SERENA payload is integrated on the MPO satellite.
Industrial contributions come from Leonardo S.p.A. for SIMBIO-SYS, Thales Alenia Space Italia S.p.A. for ISA and MORE, and OHB Italia S.p.A. for SERENA.
Why it matters
The MTM separation is a key milestone for the joint ESA–JAXA BepiColombo mission to Mercury. Four Italian instruments, funded by ASI and built by major national aerospace firms, underscore Italy’s substantial contribution to planetary science. The upcoming orbit insertion and subsequent science operations will allow detailed investigation of Mercury’s surface, interior, and magnetic environment.
What's next
MPO and Mio will perform orbit insertion around Mercury in November 2026.
Scientific observations are due to begin in April 2027.
Sources
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