Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
The European Space Agency's Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (Juice) is set to attempt a groundbreaking fly-by manoeuvre around the Moon and Earth on Monday night. The spacecraft, equipped with UK instrumentation, is managed by ESA's flight controllers and aims to explore Jupiter's icy moons.
Credit : ESA
Juice will use the gravitational pull of both the Moon and Earth as natural brakes and accelerators in a "double-world first" gravity assist manoeuvre. This technique will help the spacecraft gain the necessary speed and trajectory to reach Jupiter via Venus.
The fly-by is scheduled to occur between 11:57 pm and the early hours of Tuesday. ESA officials have emphasized the precision required, noting that even a small mistake could alter Juice's course and jeopardize the mission.
Credit : ESA
Juice’s trajectory will be altered by Earth’s gravity during the lunar-Earth encounter. This manoeuvre will set the spacecraft on a course for a Venus flyby in August 2025, followed by two additional Earth flybys in 2026 and 2029. The spacecraft is expected to reach Jupiter by 2031.
Juice is equipped with ten scientific instruments designed to explore the potential for life on Jupiter’s three icy moons: Ganymede, Europa, and Callisto. The mission will travel 4.1 billion miles over more than eight years, beginning with its launch in April 2023.
Credit : ESA
From August 17 to 22, ESA ground stations worldwide will maintain constant communication with Juice as it passes close to Earth and the Moon. This ensures the spacecraft remains on course and allows real-time monitoring of the mission.
Credit : ESA
Skywatchers in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Ocean region may have the chance to see Juice pass overhead during its fly-by. Using powerful binoculars or telescopes will provide the best opportunity for spotting the spacecraft as it flies by.