Ariane V and JUICE Satellite Launch: Exploring Jupiter's Icy Moons for Groundbreaking Discoveries
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By Gael Amouyal, Deeptech Expert
What is going on?
Dear subscribers, get ready for one of the most exciting space missions of our time! The European Space Agency, in partnership with international collaborators, is gearing up to launch the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (Juice) spacecraft on a mission to explore the outer reaches of our solar system. Scheduled to launch today on April 14, 2023 after one day delay, from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana, Juice is an ambitious project that aims to study the largest moons of Jupiter (Europa and Calisto), which are believed to have subsurface oceans of liquid water that could potentially harbor life.
What does it mean?
Juice is set to embark on for an 8 years journey to explore Jupiter's icy moons, thanks to the reliable Ariane 5 rocket. This rocket has been a workhorse for many successful launches and has proven its capability time and time again. With its impressive track record and ability to carry heavy payloads, it's no wonder the European Space Agency has chosen the Ariane 5 to carry the Juice satellite on its journey through space. As we eagerly await the launch, we can be confident in the performance and reliability of this trusted rocket.
But back to Juice! The spacecraft is equipped with scientific instruments that represent the cutting edge of planetary science. These instruments will allow the spacecraft to map the surface and subsurface of the moons, analyze their composition, and study their interactions with Jupiter's magnetic field.
Europa, one of Jupiter's moons, has long been of great interest to scientists due to the presence of a subsurface ocean. The reason why there is liquid water on this icy moon is due to tidal heating. Europa experiences strong gravitational forces from Jupiter, as well as from its neighboring moons, which cause its surface to flex and deform. This constant flexing generates heat, which keeps the subsurface ocean in a liquid state.
One of the most exciting instruments onboard Juice is the Submillimetre Wave Instrument (SWI). This instrument is designed to study the subsurface structure of the icy moons by measuring the microwave radiation emitted from beneath their surfaces. The information gathered from SWI will enable scientists to study the composition and properties of the subsurface oceans and potentially detect any signs of life. That's right, folks, we're talking about the potential for finding extraterrestrial life right here in our solar system!
Another incredible instrument onboard Juice is the Laser Altimeter (LA), which will measure the topography of the moons with high precision. This information will allow scientists to create detailed 3D maps of the moons and study their geological history and evolution. Can you imagine the insights we'll gain from exploring these icy worlds?
Why does it matter?
💸For markets: Space exploration is expensive !
The mission is a significant investment, estimated to cost around 1.7 billion euros, with contributions from various countries, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The funding for the mission is allocated through the European Space Agency's budget, and it represents a massive commitment to advancing our understanding of the outer solar system and the potential for life beyond Earth.
Juice will travel on the reliable Ariane 5 rocket, but, as exciting as this is, we mustn't forget that there's a new rocket on the block: the Ariane 6, which is set to be even more versatile and cost-effective than its predecessor. With the ability to launch a wider range of payloads and at a lower cost per launch, the Ariane 6 represents a significant milestone in the European space program's efforts to stay competitive in the global space industry.
🧑🏿🤝🧑🏻For society: Our place in our universe.
The Juice mission is not only an exciting development for the scientific community, but it also has significant social impact. By exploring Jupiter's icy moons and searching for signs of life, this mission has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the universe and our place within it. It's a reminder that space exploration isn't just about advancing technology and scientific knowledge, but also about expanding our collective human consciousness and inspiring us to dream big. this mission has the potential to ignite a sense of wonder and curiosity in people of all ages and backgrounds, and to inspire us to work together toward a better future for humanity.
🔮What’s next? Life!
As a space enthusiast , I cannot express my excitement enough for this groundbreaking mission. The Juice spacecraft represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication by scientists and engineers around the world. It is a testament to our human spirit of exploration and our unrelenting desire to unlock the secrets of the universe. So, hold onto your seats, folks, because we're about to embark on a journey to the outer reaches of our solar system and potentially make history by discovering extraterrestrial life!
✨ That’s all for today. Thanks for reading ! Stay tuned for our next article coming up next week.
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