Bruce Murray Space Image Library

BepiColombo images high-gain antenna

BepiColombo images high-gain antenna
BepiColombo images high-gain antenna The Mercury Transfer Module (MTM) took this photo to document the successful deployment of the spacecraft high-gain antenna on 21 October 2018. The back side of the high-gain antenna is clearly seen at the top of the image. The side of the MPO with the low-gain antenna, which protrudes from the side of the module, is also visible, together with some detail of the MPO's multi-layered insulation. One of the hold-down release mechanisms of the MTM solar array is also seen between the antenna and the MPO. The dark outline in the top left corresponds to the inside of the MTM where the camera sits and looks out into space. A section of one of the solar arrays of the MTM is seen at the bottom of the image, together with a hold-down bracket on the yoke. ESA / BepiColombo / MTM, CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO