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View Full Version here: : Messenger passing Mercury - question


Matt Wastell
29-09-2009, 06:29 PM
Hi all

MESSENGER is about to fly by Mercury.

.....MESSENGER will fly by Mercury for the third and final time on Sept. 29. The spacecraft will pass less than 142 miles above the planet's rocky surface for a final gravity assist that will enable it to enter Mercury's orbit in 2011.....

When in orbit what distance will it be from Mercury?

Thanks

iceman
30-09-2009, 04:40 AM
Found it:
http://messenger.jhuapl.edu/faq/faq_journey.html#9

It will be in an elliptical orbit - as close as 125 miles (200 km) and as far out as 9400 miles!

Matt Wastell
30-09-2009, 05:56 PM
Thanks Mike - I am looking forward to the images of this often neglected planet!