At 15:24 CEST on 15 June 2026, a faint blue glow in space was switched off for the last time. After powering BepiColombo's eight-year journey across the inner Solar System, the spacecraft's solar electric propulsion (SEP) system completed its final thrust arc, marking the end of BepiColombo’s long cruise phase and the beginning of its arrival at Mercury. 

English: Paxi and the European Space Agency

Did you know that space affects your life every single day? Join Paxi to discover all the ways the European Space Agency (ESA) makes life on Earth better every day and explores space, from the satellites above your head to missions looking deep into the universe. Paxi also shares ways you can be a part of Europe's space team.

Greek: Ο Πάξι και ο Ευρωπαϊκός Οργανισμός Διαστήματος

Γνωρίζατε ότι το διάστημα επηρεάζει τη ζωή σας κάθε μέρα; Γίνετε μέλος του Paxi για να ανακαλύψετε όλους τους τρόπους με τους οποίους ο Ευρωπαϊκός Οργανισμός Διαστήματος (ESA)

The European Space Agency (ESA) leads the design, development, qualification and R&D of flagship EU Space programmes Galileo and EGNOS. It also implements satellite navigation programmes focused on innovation, competitiveness and in-orbit demonstrations, with ESA optional programmes NAVISP, FutureNAV, Celeste (LEO-PNT), Genesis and Moonlight.

Do you want to join us in shaping the future of European satellite navigation? From contracts, workshops and industry events to education activities, discover below all the ways you can engage with ESA Navigation, whether you are an European citizen, independent professional or a student.

The ESA Open Days season is almost here and our teams across our establishments in Europe are already gearing up, preparing to give thousands of visitors a truly special experience.

The third identified interstellar comet in human history has a surprising chemical makeup, raising questions as to how common, or unusual, conditions in our own Solar System may be.

On 17 June at 09:21 local time (13:21 BST, 14:21 CEST), Ariane 6 flight VA269 soared to orbit from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. 36 satellites for Amazon’s Leo constellation left Earth powered by four P160C-based boosters, the first time these upgraded boosters were used – making this launch the most powerful so far for Europe’s heavy-lift rocket. 

Week in images: 15-19 June 2026

Discover our week through the lens