The Messenger spacecraft has begun to send to the Earth the first data collected from Mercury orbit. The NASA has published today one of the pictures acquired by the spacecraft : HERE

During two prior flybys over Mercury (to regulate its velocity), Messenger already took some pictures of the planet. They are the first pictures taken from the orbit of the planet, and the first Mercury’s surface pictures taken since Mariner 10, 30 years ago.

Launched the 08/04/2004 from Cap Canaveral, Messenger orbit insertion took place the 18th of March and the spacecraft began its mission the 29th of March. It reached Mercury after a 7,9 billion km long journey and made 15 times the tour of the Sun.

Messenger will begin its mission of detailed Mercury surface cartography the 4th of April.

Source : NASA