What technology will be utilized on the JUICE mission to observe the Jupiter system?
Introduction
The European Space Agency’s JUICE (Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer) mission is currently en route to explore Jupiter and its icy moons. Launched in 2022, the spacecraft will embark on a long journey to reach the Jovian system in 2029. Here’s what to expect during the mission.
Science objectives
JUICE aims to study Jupiter’s atmosphere, magnetosphere, and its three largest icy moons- Ganymede, Callisto, and Europa. The mission will perform detailed investigations to understand the formation and evolution of these celestial bodies, their geology, and possible habitability.
Spacecraft and instruments
The JUICE spacecraft is equipped with a suite of advanced scientific instruments. The scientific payload consists of 11 instruments- remote sensing, geophysical, and in-situ detectors. These instruments will enable JUICE to make detailed observations of Jupiter’s atmosphere and magnetosphere, and map the surfaces of the icy moons.
Journey and trajectory
JUICE’s journey to Jupiter will take almost nine years to complete. The spacecraft will use gravity assists from Venus and Earth to reach Jupiter’s orbit. The mission team will perform regular course correction maneuvers to ensure the spacecraft is on the correct trajectory. During the journey, JUICE will conduct several flybys of Jupiter’s moons and study them in detail.
Key moments in the mission
JUICE’s mission is scheduled to last for at least three years. Some of the key moments in the mission are:
- 2022: Launch from Earth
- 2023- 2025: Gravity assist flybys of Earth and Venus
- 2029: Arrival at Jupiter’s orbit
- 2032: Closest flyby of Callisto
- 2033: Closest flybys of Ganymede and Europa
Conclusion
JUICE is a significant mission for scientists to learn about the Jupiter system’s formation and evolution. The spacecraft’s long journey to Jupiter is full of exciting moments, and it will provide us invaluable insights into the icy moons’ geology and habitability.
Stay tuned for the latest updates from JUICE’s mission.