The gossips say that after having polluted the Earth, Americans will cast their waste on Mercury. Beyond the sarcastic side, it is a chapter that closes to the probe Messenger , which after 11 years of mission in orbit, will eventually crash into the planet Mercury. The probe sent by NASA in 2004 should complete the race Thursday, April 30.
For nearly 11 years, Messenger has provided important data to NASA scientists. They have for example discovered that Mercury’s surface was covered with a carbon layer, created by the influx of meteorites that strike its surface for billions of years. Initially, the mission was to last a year but thanks to advances in science, it has been extended twice.
Messenger is running out of time
If NASA says goodbye to the probe Messenger, this is not because the researchers got answers to their questions, but because Messenger has more fuels. The probe can no longer function and should crashing at the speed of 14,000 km / h, and should still cause an explosion 15 meters in diameter.
BepiColombo will replace Messenger
Despite many questions left unanswered, NASA is very satisfied Messenger. “For the first time in history, we have a good knowledge of Mercury which reveals a fascinating planet in our solar system” says John Grunsfeld, head of NASA’s science missions.
“While the satellite’s operation comes to an end, we celebrate Messenger for the success of this mission. A long journey starts to analyze the data that will reveal all the scientific mysteries of Mercury ” he concluded. It’s BepiColombo probe conducted by Japanese and European teams continue to analyze the planet Mercury
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Photos: NASA
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