This module is a primary component of the joint European and Japanese BepiColombo mission. It carries a suite of cameras, spectrometers, and radiometers to study the surface morphology and interior composition of Mercury. To survive the intense solar radiation deep in the inner solar system, the spacecraft relies on high-temperature multilayer insulation and a specialized radiator system pointed away from the sun.
Heard on the job
The MPO will separate from the transfer module right before orbital insertion around Mercury.