Jupiter mission will attempt first-ever fly-by that harnesses Earth and Moon's gravity

The JUICE probe will perform the first-ever double gravity-assist manoeuvre, slingshotting around the Moon and Earth to reach Jupiter while conserving fuel.

Harnessing the lunar gravity to brake and change course is crucial for JUICE, allowing it to orbit Ganymede at a mere 200 kilometres altitude in 2035.

The double fly-by manoeuvre poses significant risks as it amplifies trajectory errors. It is akin to racing through a narrow corridor at high speed.

The unique approach of utilizing the Moon's gravity isn't just a trick; it significantly enhances mission performance and fuels ambitious scientific explorations of Jupiter’s moons.

Read at Nature