The ESA’s JUICE spacecraft has accomplished a crucial milestone by performing a flyby of Venus. This maneuver is an important phase in its long journey to Jupiter’s icy moons. Launched by the European Space Agency, JUICE (Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer) aims to study Ganymede, Callisto, and Europa—three of Jupiter’s most intriguing moons. These flybys help JUICE gain the necessary speed and trajectory to eventually reach its destination.
Key Highlights of the Mission
The Venus flyby brings JUICE one step closer to its ambitious scientific mission. The spacecraft’s journey is meticulously calculated, using gravity assists from both Earth and Venus. These assists are essential for conserving fuel and ensuring the craft arrives at Jupiter at the right time and position. According to mission planners, JUICE is expected to reach the Jupiter system in July 2031. Once there, it will start its detailed study of the giant planet’s moons, searching for signs of habitability and gathering data about their icy surfaces and hidden oceans.
What’s Next for JUICE?
As JUICE continues its voyage, it will perform additional flybys to fine-tune its path. The mission promises to deepen our understanding of Jupiter’s environment and shed light on the potential for life beyond Earth. You can follow JUICE’s progress and learn more about its objectives on the official ESA website and space news portals.
