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Spacecraft makes final flyby of smallest planet in solar system

The article discusses NASA's Messenger spacecraft making its final flyby of Mercury, the smallest planet in our solar system, before entering into orbit around it. Launched in 2004, Messenger has been on a mission to study Mercury in detail, providing new insights into its surface, composition, and magnetic field. This flyby was crucial as it allowed the spacecraft to adjust its trajectory for the upcoming orbital insertion, set to occur later in the year. During this flyby, Messenger captured high-resolution images and gathered data that will help scientists understand Mercury's geological history and its surprisingly strong magnetic field for a planet of its size. The mission aims to answer long-standing questions about Mercury's formation and evolution, offering a deeper understanding of the inner planets of our solar system.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/technology/spacecraft-makes-final-flyby-of-smallest-planet-in-solar-system/ar-BB1rgauO ]