ESA competition offers control centre visit for BepiColombo’s arrival

The winner can meet the mission teams at ESA’s European Space Operations Centre in Darmstadt, Germany, and watch as the first signal is received after the two BepiColombo orbiters have separated. The event is scheduled for 9 December 2026, from 22.00 CET until after midnight. This therefore involves following the mission from the control centre. [1]

According to ESA, the joint ESA/JAXA mission is approaching its destination after a journey of around eight years. The two orbiters, MPO and Mio, are scheduled to be captured by Mercury’s gravity on 21 November while still joined together. Their separation follows on 9–10 December: this is the milestone ESA marks as the official arrival. MPO will then still have to work towards its final science orbit until 19 March 2027. [1]

Enter with a creative welcome message

Entrants can, for example, create a drawing, song or poem to welcome the spacecraft. They must post a photo or video of their creation publicly on social media, with a short description, the hashtag #WelcomeToMercury and an explanation of what the mission means to them or what they like most about it.

A social media post alone is not enough. The link must also be submitted through ESA’s entry form, with agreement to the privacy statement. One entry per person is allowed. According to ESA, the deadline is midnight CET on 25 October 2026. [1]

The competition is open to residents of ESA Member States, Cooperating States and Associate States who are over 18. Staff of ESA, its suppliers and contractors, and their immediate family or household members, are excluded. Anyone appearing in a submitted photo or video must also be over 18 and have given their consent.

An ESA judging panel comprising mission experts and science communication editors will choose one main winner and up to nine other prize winners. They are scheduled to be notified in the second week of November. The other winners will receive a small package of ESA merchandise. [1]

Book your own travel, with reimbursement afterwards

The main prize is not an all-expenses-paid trip without a spending limit. The winner must book and pay for transport and accommodation upfront. ESA will reimburse up to €1000 after the event, on presentation of booking receipts. A valid passport is required for access to the ESA site. [1]