The Juice probe’s main research target is Ganymede. The technology developed by the Finns is involved in measuring the particles hitting the moon and coming off it.
According to current knowledge, Jupiter has about one hundred moons. Darryl Fonseka / Alamy Stock Photo
The European Space Agency ESA’s first Jupiter probe will set off on April 13. The purpose is to find out the conditions for life, especially on Jupiter’s moons Europa, Ganymede and Callisto.
The sonar called Juice carries with it a part built in cooperation between Aalto University and the Meteorological Institute PEP particle measuring device, which studies the particles coming off and hitting the surfaces of Jupiter’s moons. The main computer and software of the measuring device have been the responsibility of the Finns.
Particles hitting the icy surface of moons loosen the material of the surface, measuring which gives information about the minerals contained in the moons.
Beneath the moon’s icy surfaces are believed to be oceans that could allow Earth-like life to develop.
More than 15 European countries, the United States and Japan were involved in the construction of the PEP measuring device.
Eight years to Jupiter
Juice’s journey to Jupiter will take eight years and will arrive in 2031.
– However, our instrument group will not be idle before the arrival at Jupiter in the summer of 2031, Aalto University professor of space science and technology Esa Kallio states.
During its journey, the probe will make three flybys of Earth and a flyby of Venus, during which measuring devices will be tested. After reaching Jupiter, the probe will make 12 flybys of Ganymede, which is the probe’s main research target.
Ganymede is the most extraordinary moon in our solar system. Image from the 2021 flyby of NASA’s Juno probe. NASA/piemags/ Alamy Stock Photo
Ganymede is the largest moon in our solar system, which also has its own magnetic field. Other moons in the solar system do not have a magnetic field. Ganymede is even bigger than Mercury.
The Ariane 5 launch vehicle carrying Juice takes off from the Kourou space center in French Guiana. The launch will take place on 15.15.01 Finnish time. The launch has to happen every second in order for the trip to be successful.
The Juice probe’s expedition will end in 2035, when it will crash into Ganymede’s surface.
It was announced STT.