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Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) Mission

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At InclusiveIAS, we understand the significance of Science and Technology in the UPSC Prelims and the challenges students face in mastering this subject. To address these issues, we have launched Science Corner, a dedicated space where aspirants can access comprehensive and meticulously curated notes tailored specifically for Prelims. Our aim is to simplify complex topics, align content with the evolving exam trends, and empower aspirants with a strong foundation to tackle Science and Technology questions confidently.By bridging the gap between complexity and clarity, this initiative reflects our philosophy of making UPSC preparation inclusive, effective, and student-centric.

Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) Mission

  • Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer is a EuropeanSpace Agency (ESA) mission to explore Jupiter and three of its icy moons: Europa, Callisto and Ganymede.
  • It was launched from French Guiana on an Ariane 5 launcher.
  • It will become the first probe to orbit a planetary moon other than Earth’s.
  • The JUICE mission was launched in 2023. It will reach Jupiter and its moons by 2031, after an eight-year journey.
  • This mission is the first-ever lunar-Earth flyby combined with the first-ever double gravity assist manoeuvre.

Objectives:

  • Juice has a number of key science objectives, from exploring Jupiter’s three large ocean-bearing moons to probing the planet’s complex atmosphere and magnetic environment.
  • It will explore Jupiter’s complex environment in depth, and study the wider Jupiter system as an archetype for gas giants across the Universe.
  • The mission has two key areas of focus: Jupiter’s moons and Jupiter as a planetary system.
  • Juice’s main goal is to characterise Jupiter’s moons as both celestial bodies and possible habitats for life (either past or present).
  • Juice will study their hidden ocean reservoirs, map their icy shells, and investigate their interiors.
Gravity Assist Technique

The “gravity assist” flyby technique can add or subtract momentum to increase or decrease the energy of a spacecraft’s orbit. Generally it has been used in solar orbit, to increase a spacecraft’s velocity and propel it outward in the solar system, much farther away from the Sun than its launch vehicle would have been capable of doing.