Giuseppe Colombo Biography

Colombo explains Mercury's rotation as a three-to-two spin-orbit resonance, with three rotations during every two solar orbits.

Colombo develops calculations showing that a spacecraft can use planetary gravity and orbital resonance to make repeated encounters with Mercury.

Mariner 10 launches on a trajectory shaped by gravity-assist and resonance calculations that will allow repeated visits to Mercury.

Mariner 10 uses Venus for the first interplanetary gravity assist, placing the spacecraft on course for its first Mercury encounter.

Mariner 10 makes the first spacecraft flyby of Mercury, validating the trajectory that permits later repeat encounters.

Mariner 10 returns to Mercury for a second flyby because its solar orbit is resonant with Mercury's orbital period.

Mariner 10 completes a third Mercury encounter, demonstrating the effectiveness of Colombo's repeat-flyby trajectory.

ESA names its planned Mercury mission BepiColombo in honour of Giuseppe Colombo's pioneering work on Mercury and planetary flyby trajectories.