ESA’s historic mission to explore Jupiter’s moons and orbit Ganymede, the largest moon in the solar system, is underway today as it begins its eight-year voyage to the giant planet. At 2:14 PM CEST (12:14 GMT), the JUpiter ICy Lunar Orbiter (Juice) robotic probe launched aboard an Ariane 5 rocket from the European Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana.
After takeoff, Ariane 5’s first stage burned for 27 minutes before the upper stage separated and the first signals from the rover were received 36 minutes later. One hour and 30 minutes after launch, the giant solar array powering Juice was fully deployed during the mission.
Juice will have a busy two-and-a-half weeks as it rolls out its collection of instrument booms and antennas, according to the ESA. This is followed by an intensive shakedown as the system is inspected as part of the commissioning period.
ESA
Starting in August 2024, Juice will perform the first of four gravity-assisted flybys of Earth, the Moon, and Venus to provide the speed needed to reach Jupiter in 2031.Numerous flybys of Callisto, Europe and Ganymede before entering orbit around Ganymede
“ESA is heading to Jupiter with our international partners,” said ESA Executive Director Josef Aschbacher. “Juice’s epic launch reflects the vision and ambition of those who envisioned this mission decades ago, the skill and passion of everyone who built this incredible machine, and the strength of our flight operations team. It comes with the drive and curiosity of the global scientific community.Together, we will push the boundaries of science and exploration to answer humanity’s greatest questions.”
Source: ESA
