The RIME radar antenna of the European Jupiter probe Juice has now been fully extended after initial problems. This was announced by the European Space Agency ESA. On May 12, the antenna slipped into its final orientation after a so-called “non-explosive actuator” was ignited. A tiny jammed pin was thus shifted by a few millimeters and removed as an obstacle. This allowed the antenna to unfold completely. Later, the flight control team confirmed that the “Radar for Icy Moons Exploration” antenna is finally in the targeted position. Measurement data shows how it wobbled before.
The first part works out.
(Image: ESA)
The second part works out.
(Image: ESA)
Similar problem at NASA
The problems with the radar antenna had arisen two weeks after the successful launch. The 16 m long radar antenna had not come loose from its anchorage. The suspicion of a “tiny, jammed pin” quickly fell. That’s why those responsible tried to shake the probe with the engines. When that didn’t bring the desired result, they let the sun heat the probe, hoping to solve the obstacle that way. The antenna moved a little every day, but just didn’t fully unfold. The problems that have now been solved are reminiscent of those of NASA with the Lucy probe, which was also flying to Jupiter. However, a solar panel that was not fully unfolded could not be fully engaged.
The Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer was launched on April 14 aboard an Ariane 5 rocket from the Kourou Cosmodrome in French Guiana. Meanwhile, the space probe is over 7.3 million kilometers from Earth and continues to deploy all antennas and activate sensors and instruments. The ESA explains that this will take months. In 2031, she should reach the Jupiter system and, with the ten instruments on board, devote herself in particular to the three moons Ganymede, Callisto and Europa. They may offer favorable conditions for the emergence of life. Together with Io, they form the four Galilean moons discovered by the Italian explorer Galileo Galilei in 1610.
(Image: ESA)
(mho)