Bepi Colombo

An epic adventure to mercury. How, why, and what is the mission?
We helped Design & Data with 2 explainer videos for ESA (european space agency) to inform about this mission.

This animation series follows the adventures of Bepi,  Mio and MTM on their way to mercury a planet of extremes and mysteries.

Meet Bepi, Mio and MTM, three new space explorers about to start an extraordinary journey to Mercury, a planet of extremes and mysteries.

Find out how these bold spacecraft have been preparing for their epic adventure, from space school to flyby practice. Watch as their training covers not only planetary science and space education, but also cultural aspects of their places of origin: Bepi and MTM were born in Europe, while Mio comes from Japan. Follow Bepi, Mio and MTM as they become fascinated by their destination thanks to the curious discoveries made by their cousin Messenger.

Learn about the science questions that Bepi and Mio will investigate, from Mercury's geology and surface composition to the magnetic field and its interaction with the solar wind. Finally, walk with them to the launch pad and wish them a great start to a memorable adventure.

Bepi, Mio and MTM’s adventures continue!

What have they achieved on their extraordinary journey to Mercury, planet of extremes and mysteries?

They haven’t been bored, that’s for sure. They snapped cool photos and collected real science data as they flew past Earth, Venus and Mercury – each planet is unique! After witnessing Venus’s blinding heat, flying through Mercury’s freezing shadow, and braving strong winds and radiation coming from the Sun, the trio know they are ready for anything.

In November 2026, the spacecraft will arrive at Mercury to stay. Bepi and Mio will orbit around the little planet to uncover all its mysteries, like: What is it made of? Does it have water? And how does its magnetic field work?