The more the merrier, but I find it interesting the press release does not even mention messenger. I would think given the paucity of information on Mercury, they would wait to design the next mission until after Messenger fulfills the main body of its mission. Of course they could probably factor in info returned up to a point, since flybys by Messenger begin next year.

I really wish they were designing a probe for Jupiter system rather than another for Mercury. But I guess using the European mindset, they have already visited Jupiter, but haven't yet Mercury. And they feel the need to check off their planetary probe list. Oh well, any planetary science probe is a good probe. And I'm sure they'll work to have instruments to complement those on board Messenger.