epa09499430 An undated handout picture made available by the European Space Agency (ESA) shows an artist impression of the BepiColombo probe flying by Mercury (issued 01 October 2021). The spacecraft makes nine gravity assist manoeuvres (one of Earth, two of Venus and six of Mercury) before entering orbit around the innermost planet of the Solar System in 2025. The closest approach is at 23:34 UTC on 01 October (01:34 CEST on 02 October) at a distance of 200 km, capturing imagery and science data. BepiColombo is an international collaboration between ESA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). EPA/ESA/ATG MEDIALAB HANDOUT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES
