ESA Juice spacecraft to perform Earth gravity assist

The European Space Agency’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (Juice) is scheduled to perform a gravity assist flyby of Earth on 28 September 2026. The spacecraft will pass within 8,640 km of the planet’s surface over the Indian Ocean at 13:45 CEST (11:45 UTC).

This maneuver is designed to alter the probe's trajectory and velocity, providing a boost of approximately 3.5 km/s and a 20-degree course correction. Such gravity assists are essential to reach the outer Solar System without the prohibitive weight of extra fuel. This event marks the third major gravity assist in the mission, following previous maneuvers involving the Moon and Venus.

Prior to its closest approach, the spacecraft will pass over Australia, traveling from the northeast to the northwest. This flyby is a critical step in the mission's long-term flight plan, setting the stage for a final Earth flyby in January 2029 and an eventual arrival at Jupiter in July 2031.