UK Backs JUICE Mission to Probe Jupiter’s Icy Moons
The UK Space Agency is powering Europe’s bold JUICE mission, funding one of its ten science instruments and helping build two more. Set to launch on 14 April from French Guiana, JUICE will spend eight years ferrying through space to reach Jupiter and its mysterious moons.
Eight-Year Journey to the Giant Planet
JUICE will blast off at 1.14pm and fly past Earth and Venus, using their gravity to speed up for the final sprint to Jupiter. The spacecraft will orbit the gas giant and scout its moons Ganymede, Europa, and Callisto, sending back vital data on their icy surfaces and hidden oceans.
Michelle Donelan, UK Secretary of State for Science, said: “The UK Space Agency has invested around £9 million in JUICE to investigate Jupiter and its moons. Our UK technology showcases how universities and research institutes are unlocking the secrets of deep space.”
She added: “We want the UK’s space sector to thrive. Pushing research and tech boundaries creates future jobs and inspires the next generation.”
Focus on Ganymede: First Moon Orbital Mission
The highlight of JUICE’s mission comes in December 2034 when it will orbit Ganymede — Jupiter’s largest moon and the first ever to have a spacecraft spiral around it. Scientists aim to explore the vast ocean lurking beneath Ganymede’s frozen shell, hunting for clues about habitability.
UK Space Agency head Dr Caroline Harper said: “JUICE’s launch is the result of years of global teamwork. We’re excited to track it on its journey and study Jupiter’s system using UK-built instruments.”
UK Science Makers Behind the Mission
- J-MAG: A UK-led magnetometer developed by Imperial College London with help from the University of leicester/" title="Leicester" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Leicester.
- JANUS: An optical camera built in the UK by Teledyne-e2v and fine-tuned by The Open University.
- PEP: Particle environment sensors designed with input from University College London and Aberystwyth University.
Professor Michele Dougherty of Imperial College said: “Our instrument is almost like peering inside these moons. The signals are tiny and tricky to detect, but we expect stunning results.”
JUICE is a collaboration between ESA, NASA, Japan, and Israel, tackling questions about how planets form and what makes life possible in our solar system.
Scientists Ready for Lift-Off and Data Deluge
After an eight-year trek, JUICE will perform 35 flybys of the icy moons before settling into orbit around Ganymede. In the meantime, it will swing past Venus to test gear and save fuel with gravity assists.
Open University researcher Chiaki Crews said: “We’re testing camera sensors to ensure they survive Jupiter’s harsh radiation. JUICE aims to answer if these oceans under ice could support life.”
Professor Geraint Jones from University College London added: “Our sensors will analyse the soup of particles around Jupiter that could harm future astronauts and reveal how these moons may or may not be habitable.”
Professor Emma Bunce of University of Leicester enthused: “JUICE is the next leap in exploring potentially habitable worlds. We can’t wait for the data in 2031 — it’s been many years in the making!”
Aberystwyth’s Professor Manuel Grande explained the challenge: “Jupiter’s intense radiation messes with instruments. Our shielding tech protects the sensors so we can detect organic molecules near Europa, a prime candidate for life.”
Daniel Waller, Vice President at Teledyne e2v, said: “Launching the JANUS camera is a big moment. Our sensors from Chelmsford will bring stunning images of Jupiter’s frozen moons, deepening our solar system knowledge.”
JUICE promises to revolutionise our understanding of the giant planet’s icy moons and maybe bring us one step closer to finding life beyond Earth.
