AI Insight
The European Space Agency's Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (Juice) spacecraft is scheduled to perform a gravity assist maneuver by flying past Earth on September 28. Flight controllers will use Earth's gravitational field to modify the spacecraft's velocity and trajectory as part of its journey to Jupiter. This represents the third gravity assist in the mission's flight plan.
Why it matters
Gravity assist maneuvers are critical for deep space missions as they allow spacecraft to gain or lose speed without expending fuel, making missions to the outer solar system feasible. This technique enables Juice to reach Jupiter and its icy moons while conserving propellant for scientific operations upon arrival.
Understand the Science
The European Space Agency’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (Juice) will return to Earth on 28 September, with flight controllers guiding the spacecraft close to our home planet to alter its speed and direction en route to Jupiter.