ESA's Juice mission: Spacecraft to endure extreme tests before launch; know details

moons of Jupiter have been an intriguing subject for scientists owing to mysteries y carry. In an attempt to solve some of those, European Space Agency (ESA) is launching a new mission named Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) in 2023. So far, agency has me significant progress in developing mission spacecraft, which is currently undergoing rigorous testing before it gets exposed to harshness of space. 

From intense vibrations to extreme temperatures, tests have it all

Considering how challenging launch and outer space conditions are, JUICE spacecraft is being subjected to conditions that include intense vibrations and extreme temperatures. first leg of tests involves putting spacecraft through a simulated environment with intense and sustained acoustic noise to make it resistant to noise created by a rocket during launch. engineers are testing JUICE at ESA's Large European Acoustic Facility that simulates launch sounds.

Anor commonly encountered challenge is intense vibration that a spacecraft inside a rocket experiences during liftoff. To ensure spacecraft's hardware does not get damaged, ESA's HYDRA facility is testing spacecraft by simulating a rocket’s intense vibrations. According to a report by Planetary society, this facility is capable of generating vibrations equivalent to an earthquake of 7.5 on Richter scale.

Fluctuating temperatures are anor major issue that can affect a spacecraft and jeopardise  mission. difference in heat variations is threatening to a mission as constantly fluctuating temperatures can le to  uneven expansion and contraction of spacecraft and thus cause fractures. JUICE spacecraft is being prepared for such conditions inside  rmovac chambers (image above), also called space simulators, which achieve a space-like vacuum and simulate extreme temperature differences. Interestingly, ESA has created a brand-new Wide Range Test Facility, to prepare JUICE spacecraft against temperatures as low as -230 degrees Celsius. 

JUICE 2023 mission

mission has been planned to study moons of Jupiter- primarily Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto- as scientists aim to explore secrets beneath ir surface.  aforementioned Moons, along with Io – most volcanically active place in solar system, are called Galilean Moons, as y were first observed by Italian astronomer Galileo in early 17th century.  here to re more about mission.

Image: Twitter/@exploreplanets