The JUICE spacecraft made a successful flyby of the Moon and Earth, capturing unique footage. The maneuver is an important step in its eight-year journey to Jupiter to study its icy moons.
JUICE Mission
Unique Flyby
JUICE Probe Heading to Jupiter, provided scientists with impressive images of its flyby of the Moon and Earth. The European Space Agency (ESA) created a fascinating 30-second video from this footage.
Difficult route
The JUpiter ICy moons Explorer (JUICE) spacecraft successfully completed a risky maneuver on August 19-20, skirting the Moon and Earth. This complex maneuver will allow the device to use the gravitational field of both celestial bodies for further travel to Venus.
Technical details
The photographs were taken by two JUICE monitoring cameras designed to monitor the external elements of the spacecraft. The flyby also provided an opportunity for ground control to test JUICE's science equipment: all ten instruments were activated during the flyby of the Moon, and eight of them were activated during the flyby of the Earth.
Scientific value
Claire Vallat, project scientist, emphasizes the importance of this phase of the mission: “This double flyby allows us to closely study the operation of the JUICE instruments early enough in the journey. We will be able to use the data obtained to prepare the instruments for arrival at Jupiter. Given our knowledge of the physical properties Earth, Moon and surrounding space, this is an ideal opportunity to understand how instruments respond to real targets."
Mission Objectives
JUICE is at the beginning of its eight-year journey to Jupiter. Its main task is to explore the potential habitability of the planet's icy satellites: Europa, Ganymede and Calisto. To achieve the goal, the device uses the gravity of other planets to accelerate and adjust the trajectory.
Further route
After flying past the Moon, the speed of the spacecraft increased by 0.9 km/s relative to the Sun, which directed him to Earth. The subsequent approach to our planet led to a decrease in the speed of JUICE by 4.8 km/s relative to the Sun, putting the device on a trajectory towards Venus.
The spacecraft will flyby Venus in August 2025 before returning to Earth for two more gravity assist maneuvers in September 2026 and January 2029. Entry into Jupiter orbit is planned for 2031. JUICE began its journey in April 2023, launching from a spaceport in French Guiana. The total duration of the mission will be 12 years.
Glossary
- JUICE (JUpiter ICy moons Explorer) is a European Space Agency spacecraft for research of Jupiter and its moons
- ESA (European Space Agency) - European Space Agency, the organization responsible for space research in Europe
- Jupiter is the largest planet in the Solar System, a gas giant
- Venus is the second planet from the Sun in the Solar System
- French Guiana - overseas department of France in South America, where the Kourou spaceport is located
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Answers to questions
What is JUICE's mission and what is its purpose?
What maneuvers did JUICE perform during its journey?
How did scientists use the JUICE flyby between the Moon and Earth?
What route does JUICE have to travel before reaching Jupiter?
When did the JUICE mission launch and where was the spacecraft launched from?
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Discussion of the topic – JUICE captured unique footage of the Moon and Earth on their way to Jupiter
The JUICE spacecraft flew around the Moon and Earth, capturing the first video of the maneuver. The European Space Agency published a half-minute video showing unique footage. This risky maneuver will help the probe reach Jupiter thanks to gravitational assist.
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Olivia
Wow, this is simply incredible! 🚀 The JUICE probe has already begun its journey to Jupiter. I wonder what secrets he will reveal about the icy moons?
Hans
Yes, Olivia, that's really impressive! What especially amazes me is how they use the gravity of the planets to accelerate. This is real cosmic billiards! 🎱
Sophie
I agree with both of you! Did you notice that the mission will last 12 years? This is a whole era in space research. I wonder what other technologies will appear during this time? 🤔
Carlos
Sophie, you're right! A lot can change in 12 years. But what intrigues me most is the possibility of finding signs of life on the moons of Jupiter. Imagine if we are not alone in the Universe! 👽
Giovanni
Pfft, another useless waste of money. It would be better to start solving problems on Earth, and not chase after aliens. This is all just science fiction.
Olivia
Giovanni, I understand your concern, but space exploration often leads to important discoveries that also help on Earth. For example, satellite communications or weather forecasting. 🛰️
Anna
And I was impressed by the video of the flyby of the Moon and Earth! 🌍🌕 It reminded me how small we are on the scale of space. JUICE is like a window into the unknown. Carlos, you're right, the possibility of finding life is exciting!
Hans
Anna, I absolutely agree! And to think that this is just the beginning of JUICE's journey. Imagine the amazing images we'll see when it reaches Jupiter and its moons. I'm looking forward to 2031! 📸🪐