Juice Rerouted to Venus in World’s First Lunar-Earth Flyby
Context:
The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (Juice) has completed the world’s first lunar-Earth flyby, setting a new milestone in space exploration.
More on News:
- This complex manoeuvre, executed on August 19-20, 2024, utilised the gravitational forces of both the Moon and Earth to redirect Juice towards Venus, marking a significant step in its journey to Jupiter.
- Juice’s closest approach to the Moon was just 6,840 kilometres above Southeast Asia and the Pacific Ocean. The next day, it flew by Earth, capturing images and collecting data with eight of its ten instruments.
Mission Goals and Scope
Key Highlights:
- The flyby aimed primarily to adjust Juice’s trajectory but also allowed for testing its scientific instruments.
- Initial results, including high-resolution images from the JANUS camera, are expected to be released.
- The lunar flyby increased Juice’s speed by 0.9 km/s relative to the Sun, while the Earth flyby reduced its speed by 4.8 km/s.
- This manoeuvre altered Juice’s trajectory by 100° compared to its path before the flyby, effectively redirecting it towards Venus.
- This gravity assist technique was crucial for saving approximately 100–150 kg of fuel, which will extend the mission’s capabilities.
Implications:
- Following the successful flyby, Juice is now on a trajectory towards Venus, with a planned flyby in August 2025.
- This Venus encounter will provide another boost, setting up subsequent flybys of Earth in September 2026 and January 2029.
- Additional gravity assist will help Juice gain the necessary speed and trajectory for its arrival at Jupiter in July 2031.