Mercury

Mercury, at 91 million km average distance, is a scorched, airless world with extreme temperature swings, offering insights into planetary evolution near stars.

Details

• Distance: 91000000 km
• Travel Time: ~180 days
• Scientific Interest: Magnetic field, solar interactions
• Surface Conditions: 0.38 Earth gravity, no atmosphere, extreme temperatures (-173°C to 427°C)
• Challenges: Solar radiation, thermal stress, orbital complexity
• Past Missions: Mariner 10, MESSENGER