A space probe with Swiss-built instruments on board has begun its journey to Mercury to explore the smallest and innermost planet in the Solar System.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/urs
It will take an estimated seven years for the BepiColombo probe to reach its destination following the launch from the European spaceport in French Guiana on Saturday.
The 6.4 metre spacecraft, which was constructed by the European and the Japanese space agencies, has on board a laser altimeter and an innovative mass spectrometer built by the Physics Institute of the University of Bern.
These instruments will help investigate the magnetospheric interaction between the planet and the solar wind and explore the planet’s surface by remote sensing, according to a statement by Bern UniversityExternal link.
External Content
Super sensitive
The most sensitive Bela laser altimeter can measure the shape, topography and morphology of the planet’s surface.
“Fundamentally, we will be able to create a 3D image of the entire planet,” says Nicolas Thomas, director of the physics institute.
The Strofio mass spectrometer, for its part, allows scientists to record the thin atmosphere of Mercury and analyse its chemical composition, according to Peter Wurz, professor at the physics institute.
Both space researchers were involved in the BepiColombo mission and were part of the advisory group of the European Space Agency (ESA).
Thomas says the heat on Mercury – it can be ten times that measured on Earth – was a major challenge for scientists. The researchers had to design and build instruments in such a way that they can withstand the searing heat of the sun.
Once BepiColombo has achieved its intended orbit, data transmission to Earth will take about 15 minutes, according to the statement by Bern University.
The experiments and scientific investigations on Mercury could take up to two years.
Popular Stories
More
Banking & Fintech
Luxury heir claims his CHF11 billion Hermès fortune has vanished
What can be done to protect biodiversity in your country?
Swiss voters are set to decide on a people’s initiative calling for better protection of ecosystems in the country. Have your say on the September 22 vote.
Swiss investigate four people linked to Russian oligarch
This content was published on
The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland is investigating four individuals linked to Russian oligarch Suleyman Kerimov.
Swiss government scrambles to deal with egg shortage
This content was published on
From September 1, more eggs intended for consumption may be imported into Switzerland. In allowing this, the government wants to secure the supply of eggs for consumers.
This content was published on
Agricultural research sees new development opportunities for Swiss sparkling wines in the face of declining wine consumption. In a survey, half of consumers expressed a willingness to pay more for local products than for foreign ones.
Locarno spotlights filmmakers from South America and Caribbean
This content was published on
The Open Doors section of the Locarno Film Festival has named the winners for 2024. The spotlight is on the South American and Caribbean regions.
Storm paralyses trains to popular Swiss tourist resort
This content was published on
The railway line between Zweilütschinen and Grindelwald in central Switzerland is expected to remain closed until Friday following heavy rains.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Geneva-led team gets good look at tailed planet
This content was published on
Scientists at the University of Geneva looking for planets outside our solar system have found one with a unique feature: a huge tail made of gas.
The wonderful and turbulent world of comets, as seen by Swiss scientists
This content was published on
Swiss researchers outline some of the key findings collected during the European Space Agency’s historic Rosetta mission.
This content was published on
Scientists from the universities of Geneva and Bern are heavily involved in the largest European exoplanet research mission.
This content was published on
The GJ436b exoplanet follows an elliptical orbit over the poles of its star, researchers from the Swiss University of Geneva have discovered.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.