JUICE Probe’s Groundbreaking Journey to Jupiter: A Double Gravity Assist

November 22, 2023

The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) probe is embarking on an unprecedented journey, utilizing a double gravity assist from Earth and the Moon to propel itself towards Jupiter. Launched earlier this year, the spacecraft’s primary mission is to study Jupiter along with its three intriguing moons – Ganymede, Callisto, and Europa.

Setting the Stage with Critical Maneuvers

In a significant development last week, the JUICE probe executed its “largest and most important manoeuvres” during its eight-year journey to Jupiter. This 43-minute burn, consuming around 10% of the probe’s entire fuel reserve, aimed to change its orbit around the Sun in preparation for the upcoming Earth-Moon double gravity assist next summer. The maneuver utilized approximately 363 kilograms of fuel, marking a crucial step in the probe’s trajectory adjustment.

First-of-Its-Kind Flyby

The November 17 maneuver was the first part of a two-step process. In this unique flyby, the probe initially passed by the Moon to gain momentum, followed by a subsequent Earth flyby a day and a half later. Schwartz highlighted that the initial burn accomplished 95% of the required velocity change, a notable achievement considering JUICE’s substantial weight of around 6000 kg.

Challenges of Gravity Assist

Gravity assist, a technique harnessing a planet’s gravitational field for a speed boost, presents challenges. The spacecraft must navigate the planet’s gravitational field at a precisely calibrated point to achieve a “slingshot effect.” This demands meticulous timing, speed, and direction alignment as JUICE approaches the Earth-Moon system.

What Lies Ahead?

Although a substantial part of the trajectory adjustment is complete, a second, smaller maneuver is planned to fine-tune JUICE’s path for the Earth-Moon gravity assist. This two-step approach allows engineers to rectify any inaccuracies from the first burn. Additionally, a smaller maneuver in May 2024, using Juice’s thrusters, will provide the final adjustments during the probe’s approach to Earth.

JUICE Mission Overview

The JUICE spacecraft, successfully launched on April 14 from French Guiana, aims to conduct detailed observations of Jupiter and its three ocean-bearing moons. Equipped with remote sensing, geophysical, and in situ instruments, JUICE’s mission is set to unfold, with significant observations expected after 2031 due to the vast distance between Earth and Jupiter.

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