the European Juice probe took off for Jupiter

For this Ariane 5 taking off, an exceptional passenger. On board, the Juice probe heads for the most fascinating planet in our system: Jupiter. For the European Space Agency, this is the exploration program of the decade. So, when this technological jewel of more than 1.5 billion euros finally soars into space, the relief quickly gives way to joy. “It’s almost more impressive to experience it from the outside, all the people are a little tense”reports Thomas Pesquet, astronaut for the European Space Agency.

Juice won’t arrive around Jupiter’s moons until 2031

Juice set off on a journey of several thousand miles. In eight years it will be around the icy moons of Jupiter. The probe will scrutinize their immense salt water, the most favorable place, according to scientists, for a form of life. It was the 116th Ariane 5. After the Rosetta probe or the James Webb telescope, a delicate new launch for a launcher with a success rate of 98%. Juice won’t arrive around Jupiter’s moons until 2031. It will take another three years of observation to find out if their oceans are suitable for life.