Orbit insertion · November 21, 2026
BepiColombo enters Mercury orbit
After seven years, captured by Mercury's gravity
After a seven-year journey the ESA/JAXA spacecraft is captured by Mercury's gravity; first close pass on the evening of 21 November.
| Type | Orbit insertion |
|---|---|
| Date | November 21, 2026, 06:50 PM UTC |
| Visibility window | November 5, 2026 – December 16, 2026 |
| Status | scheduled |
| Ship | BepiColombo |
| Partnership | ESA · JAXA |
| Launch | October 2018 |
| Flybys | 9 (Earth, Venus, Mercury) |
| Orbit insertion | 21 Nov 2026 |
| Bodies involved | BepiColombo, Mercury |
| Source | ESA |