Subject line: Exploration of Jupiter and its icy moons

Responsibility of the mission: ESA

Date of launch: April 14th 2023

 

Description

JUICE (Jupiter Icy Moon Explorer) is a European Space Agency mission selected by the ESA Space Programme Committee, and the first large-scale mission in the framework of the Cosmic Vision 2015-20125 planetary exploration program, launched on April 14th 2023. 

Jupiter and its icy moons – Ganymede, Europe and Callisto – will be the focus of JUICE’s investigation, which furthermore will try to study the conditions for planet formation and the onset of life, and how the solar system works.

 

Scientific goals

After the launch  from Kourou, JUICE will reach Jupiter in 2031 and will carry out its study mission in the Jupiter environment, which is very similar to a miniature solar system, for three years. Up there, it will have to perform a complex set of tasks: from the observation of the atmosphere and the magnetic sphere of Jupiter, to the interaction of the Galilean moons with the planet.

But it will also have to visit Callisto (the celestial body mostly covered with solar system craters), measure the thickness of Europe’s icy cap, identify suitable sites for a potential in-situ exploration and study the icy surface and internal structure of Ganymede, the only moon with its own magnetic field.

 

Italian contribution

The choice of JUICE was the culmination of a process started in 2004, the year when the ESA began to widely consult with the scientific community, with the purpose of identifying the goals of the European planetary exploration in the following decade. Italy, and in particular the ASI, is widely involved in this mission, where highly-technological proposals deriving from the intense scientific activity carried out so far will find its space. The Italian Space Agency will be accompanied by the national scientific community, other research institutions and the academic world. 

‣ News

WEDNESDAY 26 MARCH 2025

Renewal of the collective bargaining agreement for Kenyan personnel at the Luigi Broglio Malindi Space Centre ‣

  The Luigi Broglio Space Centre (BSC) in Malindi hosted the final negotiation meeting today for the renewal of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (C.B.A) covering the period 2025–2028. Luca Vincenzo Maria Salamone, Director General of the Italian Space Agency (ASI), participated via videoconference, while the ASI negotiating delegation—comprising Alessandro Preti, Director of Human Resources; Dalila Sabato, Head of the Union Relations Service; Munzer Jahjah, Head of the Malindi Site; and Maurizio Toninelli from the Malindi Site—signed the new agreement alongside Antony Rajoro, Secretary General of the Kenya Scientific, Research, International, Technical and Institutions Workers Union (KRISTAIWU). Also present was Joseph Kagotho Muriithi, representing the Kenya Space Agency (KSA). Opening the meeting remotely, the Director General expressed appreciation for the efforts of both the Kenyan Union representatives and ASI’s negotiating team, stating: “Today is an important milestone for all of us. The signing of this Collective Bargaining Agreement strengthens the relationship between ASI and its employees. Over the next four years, this agreement will provide a foundation of clear and mutually agreed-upon guidelines, fostering a stable and harmonious work environment where everyone can contribute their best.” Alessandro Preti, ASI’s Director of Human Resources, emphasized the significance of the agreement, stating: “This agreement is a testament to the power of constructive dialogue and the pursuit of balanced solutions. Our goal remains to cultivate a strong and motivating workplace—one that values the dedication of its employees and ensures their contributions drive the success of our organization.” Both KRISTAIWU’s Secretary General and KSA’s representative expressed their satisfaction with the agreement reached. Following the signing, Munzer Jahjah, Head of the Malindi site (BSC), along with the rest of the ASI negotiating delegation and Union representatives, held a meeting with local BSC employees to present and explain the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.

MONDAY 17 MARCH 2025

LuGRE: mission successfully completed ‣

The mission of the receiver has concluded, marking a significant achievement following the completion of the Blue Ghost lander’s mission MORE...

TUESDAY 04 MARCH 2025

LuGRE achieves historic lunar radionavigation milestone ‣

ASI - Agenzia Spaziale Italiana

The NASA-ASI receiver was powered on March 3 MORE...

TUESDAY 04 MARCH 2025

LuGRE achieves historic lunar radionavigation milestone ‣

The NASA - ASI receiver was powered on March 3 MORE...

FRIDAY 21 FEBRUARY 2025

LuGRE sets another record: first GNSS signals detected in lunar orbit ‣

This recent operation demonstrated that the receiver could use GNSS signals even near the Moon
MORE...