JUICE Mission

JUpiter ICy moons Explorer

ESA's groundbreaking mission to explore Jupiter's ocean-bearing moons and unravel the mysteries of the giant planet system

6.1 tons
Launch Mass
8
Journey Duration
years
2.8 billion
Total Distance
km
11
Science Instruments

Interactive Trajectory Visualization

Real-time 3D visualization of JUICE's interplanetary trajectory using JPL Horizons ephemeris data. Explore the spacecraft's path from Earth to Jupiter with gravity assists at Venus and Earth.

About the Visualization

This visualization uses high-precision ephemeris data from NASA's JPL Horizons system, the same data source that powers spacecraft navigation. The trajectory shows JUICE's complex path through the inner solar system, utilizing multiple gravity assists to reach Jupiter efficiently.

Data Source:JPL Horizons API
Spacecraft ID:-28 (JUICE)
Reference Frame:Solar System Barycenter
Coordinate System:Ecliptic (J2000)

Mission Timeline

April 14, 2023

Launch

JUICE launched from Kourou, French Guiana aboard Ariane 5

August 2024

Lunar-Earth Gravity Assist

First flyby of the Moon and Earth for trajectory adjustment

August 2025

Venus Gravity Assist

Venus flyby to gain orbital energy

July 2031

Jupiter Orbit Insertion

Arrival at Jupiter and beginning of science operations

Science Objectives

Primary Target

Ganymede

First spacecraft to orbit an icy moon. Study its subsurface ocean and potential habitability.

Ocean World

Europa

Two close flybys to study ice shell thickness and subsurface water.

Ancient Surface

Callisto

Multiple flybys to characterize the most heavily cratered object in the solar system.

Giant Planet

Jupiter System

Study magnetosphere, atmosphere dynamics, and radiation environment.

Mission Overview

Mission Profile

  • Launch: April 14, 2023 (Ariane 5)
  • Arrival at Jupiter: July 2031
  • Ganymede orbit insertion: December 2034
  • Mission duration: 4+ years at Jupiter

Spacecraft Details

  • Solar panels: 85 m² (largest ever flown)
  • Radiation shielding: 250 kg of lead and titanium
  • Communications: 3m high-gain antenna
  • Power: Up to 850W at Jupiter distance