JUICE Probe Executes Major Maneuver on its Way to Jupiter
Date: 2023-11-18 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: TECHNOLOGY
The JUICE spacecraft
The JUICE spacecraft, operated by the European Space Agency (ESA), has accomplished a pivotal maneuver in its journey toward Jupiter. This spacecraft, designed for the exploration of Jupiter and its major moons, recently utilized its main engine to adjust its orbit around the Sun, aligning itself with the intended trajectory.
The maneuver lasted for 43 minutes, during which nearly 10% of the spacecraft's total fuel was consumed. This adjustment is vital for the successful continuation of the mission, ensuring that the spacecraft is on the correct path for its encounter with Jupiter.
As reported by Ukrinform, the European Space Agency launched the JUICE mission on Friday, April 14, using the Ariane 5 carrier rocket. The primary objective of the JUICE mission is to conduct detailed observations of the giant gas planet Jupiter and its three largest moons with oceans – Ganymede, Callisto, and Europa.
The spacecraft will provide valuable insights into the composition, atmosphere, and geology of Jupiter, as well as offer a closer look at the unique features of its intriguing moons. This mission holds great promise for advancing our understanding of the outer solar system.
