ESA shares spectacular images of JUICE probe being equipped with massive solar panels

Planned for launch in April 2023, the European Space Agency's (ESA) JUICE mission has entered the development phase and will soon be subjected to testing. While in the development phase, ESA has shared spectacular images of the spacecraft as it got equipped with massive solar panels, which would power the probe during its journey. Taking to Twitter, the agency revealed that the panels have been integrated into the spacecraft and the next step involves rigorous testing which will begin soon.

What is the JUICE mission?

Short for Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer, the mission, as the name suggests, is dedicated to the exploration of the gas giant's Moons, namely Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto. These Moons, along with Io-- the most volcanically active place in the solar system-- are called Galilean Moons, as they were first observed by Italian astronomer Galileo in the early 17th century. Jupiter's natural satellites have been a gripping subject for astronomers as not much is known about what happens beneath their surface. 

Europa, along with its sister Moons, is also intriguing to scientists because of the oceans hidden beneath their surface. Many even believe that the oceans might be Earth-like, making them an excellent start for the search for life elsewhere in our solar system. Notably, the JUICE spacecraft will conduct the most flybys (12) near Callisto as opposed to only two across Europa. Callisto is the outermost of the four Galilean moons, owing to which it experiences the least amount of Jupiter's gravity and radiation. Moreover, scientists suspect that Callisto too has a 200km-deep ocean beneath its surface. 

What would happen during the tests?

As ESA explained, the tests would involve subjecting the spacecraft to intense vibrations and acoustic waves to prepare it for what lies ahead. Testing JUICE under vibrations would give the engineers an idea about the shortcomings of the probe during a rocket launch, a phase that causes intense shaking. The engineers are testing JUICE at ESA's Large European Acoustic Facility that simulates launch sounds.

Fluctuating temperatures are another major issue that can affect a spacecraft and jeopardise the mission. The probe is being prepared for such conditions inside the thermovac chambers, also called space simulators, which can achieve a space-like vacuum and simulate extreme temperature differences.