A unique gravitational manoeuvre of the JUICE spacecraft
The JUICE (Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer) spacecraft, flying to Jupiter from April 14, 2023, performs a unique manoeuvre. After flying around the Sun in a slightly elliptical orbit, it is currently catching up with the Earth again, and these days (August 19 - 20, 2024), it will use the Earth's gravitational assistance, which will accelerate its further journey through space. The JUICE spacecraft carries several scientific instruments designed to explore Jupiter's moons. Space engineer Ján Baláž from the Košice Institute of Experimental Physics SAS (ÚEF SAV, v. v. i.) also contributed to their development and construction.
“Gravity assistance makes it possible to significantly increase the speed and change the direction of flight without using fuel, which represents a significant energy saving. Several interplanetary flights would not be possible without them," explains Ján Baláž from ÚEF SAV, adding that, for the first time in history, the Moon and the Earth will participate together in such a manoeuvre.
"The August manoeuvre will speed up the spacecraft and change its orbit so that it will meet with Venus in a year, which will give it another boost. The spacecraft will use the orbital energy from Earth twice more, in 2026 and 2029, which will finally throw it towards Jupiter. It will be captured in Jupiter´s orbit in July 2031," explains the scientist.
The JUICE spacecraft carries a large complex of scientific instruments on board to explore Jupiter's moons Europa, Ganymede and Callisto. The instruments will be activated, tested and calibrated during the upcoming close flybys.
A detailed 3D model of the JUICE spacecraft can be viewed on the ESA website, as well as its movement in the solar system from launch to destination using the Where is JUICE now? stimulator.
Edited by Katarína Gáliková
Foto: ESA