Science objectives

BepiColombo

• Investigate the origin and evolution of a planet close to the parent star
• Study Mercury's form, interior structure, geology, composition and craters
• Examine Mercury's exosphere
• Perform a test of Einstein's theory of general relativity, using Mercury's orbit
• Investigate the composition and origin of polar deposits

Mio

• Study why Mercury has a magnetic field when Mars and Venus do not
• Help to determine the origin of Mercury's magnetic field
• Study the structure and dynamics of Mercury's magnetic field