December 10, 2023

Satellites

BepiColombo comprises two different probes to achieve all of the mission’s science goals.

  • MPO is a three-axis-stabilized probe in low polar slightly elliptical orbit with a periherm at 480 km and apoherm at 1,500 km. It was developed under ESA’s responsibility.

MPO probe characteristics

Total mass400 kg
Payload mass60 kg
 MPO
The MPO probe – Credits: ESA

  • Mio is a spin-stabilized probe with an elliptical polar orbit with a periherm at 600 km and apoherm at 11,800 km. It was developed under JAXA responsibility.

Mio probe characteristics

Total mass220 kg
Payload mass40 kg
 MMO
The Mio probe – Credits: JAXA