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Bruce Murray Space Image Library

BepiColombo's first image from space: solar array self-portrait

BepiColombo's first image from space: solar array self-portrait
BepiColombo's first image from space: solar array self-portrait The BepiColombo Mercury Transfer Module (MTM) returned its first image from space shortly after its launch on 20 October 2018. The view confirms the proper extension of one of the solar arrays, which will provide power to the spacecraft for its ion-thruster journey to Mercury. The structure in the bottom left corner is one of the sun sensors on the MTM, with the multi-layered insulation clearly visible. ESA / BepiColombo / MTM, CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO