A nearly decade-long journey is nearing its end for two spacecraft headed to the smallest planet in the solar system. These spacecraft recently separated from their companion vessel. Confirmation of the separation was received after a wait of two hours. The operation was overseen from a control center in Germany.

The spacecraft are expected to enter orbit around their destination planet in November. They will then separate from each other the following month to conduct a thorough study of the planet.

Further information about this mission is available from the source.