Juices Jupiter Mission: What's Planned and Why it's Important

What's Happening on 1920 August?

On 1920 August, the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (Juice) spacecraft will make history as the first spacecraft to use the gravity of the Moon and then Earth to slingshot itself to its destination.

The gravity assist flybys are a valuable technique to get Juice to Jupiter with less fuel, but they also come with the risk of derailment.

Importance of the Mission

Juice will spend three years exploring Jupiter's icy moons, which are thought to be potential habitats for life.

The mission will study the moons' surfaces, atmospheres, and interiors, and will search for signs of life.

Juice is also expected to provide new insights into the formation and evolution of Jupiter and its moons.

Key Milestones

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2023: Juice is launched from Earth.

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1920 August 2024: Juice performs its first gravity assist flyby of Earth.

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2031: Juice arrives at Jupiter.

Challenges

The Juice mission is a complex and challenging one. The spacecraft must travel billions of kilometers and navigate the hazards of space.

The gravity assist flybys are also a risky maneuver. If the spacecraft is not precisely positioned, it could be knocked off course.

Benefits

Despite the challenges, the Juice mission is expected to provide invaluable new insights into our solar system.

The mission will help us to better understand the formation and evolution of planets and moons, and will search for signs of life beyond Earth.