Jupiter-bound spacecraft gains 3.5 km/s using Earth’s gravity
ESA's Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (Juice) successfully executed a gravity assist maneuver using Earth's gravity on September 28, 2026, increasing its speed by 3.5 km/s and deflecting its trajectory by 20 degrees towards Jupiter. This precise cosmic slingshot conserved significant fuel for the spacecraft's journey, requiring only one small course correction.
Why it matters
Gravity assists are crucial for deep-space missions, enabling spacecraft to reach distant planets more efficiently by saving precious fuel and reducing travel time, showcasing advanced space navigation capabilities.
ESA’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer, known as Juice, used Earth’s gravity as a cosmic slingshot on September 28, 2026, reshaping its route to Jupiter while conserving precious fuel. Flying just 8,640 km above the Indian Ocean, the spacecraft had its trajectory deflected by 20 degrees and its speed increased by 3.5 km/s, all without a major engine burn. According to ESA and ScienceDaily, mission controllers needed only one small course correction in the four weeks before the encounter to keep Juice on the precise path needed for the gravity assist.A carefully planned close approachJuice’s closest approach came at 13:45 CEST, or 11:45 UTC, on September 28. At that moment, the spacecraft passed 8,640 km above the Indian Ocean, skimming the very outer edge of Earth’s atmosphere.
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