Ariane V will take off for Jupiter

Ariane V, with the Juice probe as one and only passenger, should take off on Friday April 14 at 2:14 p.m. Paris time, towards Jupiter. “A flight postponed for 24 hours for risks of lightning while crossing heavy clouds positioned over Kourou (Guyana)”, reports journalist Jean-Gilles Assard. The objective of the mission is clear for the journalist: “Juice is intended for the study of Jupiter and three of its 92 moons, all of which are covered in ice. Scientists hope, using Juice’s instruments, to make sure they know whether or not there is life on these moons.

An 8 year journey

Before drawing conclusions from this mission, a long journey of 8 years awaits the probe, which will have to travel 6 billion kilometers. “Suffice to say that we will not take any risks for its launch and a final weather check will be carried out 10 minutes before takeoff, hoping for a clearing allowing the start of Juice’s great journey to Jupiter”says Jean-Gilles Assard.