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Why a spacecraft exploring moons where life may thrive is zipping by Earth

The European Space Agency's Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) spacecraft flew by Earth on September 28, 2026, executing a critical gravitational slingshot to boost its speed as it journeys to Jupiter's moons, which scientists believe could harbor conditions friendly for sustaining life.

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  • ✓ The JUICE spacecraft flew by Earth on September 28, 2026.
  • ✓ The flyby was 5,369 miles above the Indian Ocean.
  • ✓ The JUICE mission aims to explore Jupiter's ocean-bearing moons.
  • ✓ The spacecraft launched in 2023 and is due to arrive at Jupiter in 2031.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 15 independent reporting domains (100% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

The JUICE spacecraft successfully completed its third Earth flyby on September 28, 2026, passing 5,369 miles above the Indian Ocean.

Live updates

  1. ESA's JUICE Spacecraft Flies by Earth for Gravity Assist

    The European Space Agency's Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) spacecraft flew by Earth on September 28, 2026, executing a critical gravitational slingshot to boost its speed as it journeys to Jupiter's moons, which scientists believe could harbor conditions friendly for sustaining life.

    Why it matters

    The JUICE mission aims to explore Jupiter's ocean-bearing moons, including Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto. To reach its destination, the spacecraft must make multiple flybys of Earth to gain enough speed. This flyby is the third gravity assist for JUICE, which launched in 2023 and is due to arrive at Jupiter in 2031.

    What is confirmed

    • The JUICE spacecraft flew by Earth on September 28, 2026.
    • The flyby was 5,369 miles above the Indian Ocean.
    • The JUICE mission aims to explore Jupiter's ocean-bearing moons.
    • The spacecraft launched in 2023 and is due to arrive at Jupiter in 2031.

    What to watch next

    • JUICE's next planned flyby of Earth
    • JUICE's arrival at Jupiter in 2031
    • Initial findings from JUICE's exploration of Jupiter's moons
    Sources used for this update (14)
    1. The Washington Post — Why a spacecraft exploring moons where life may thrive is zipping by Earth
    2. European Space Agency — Juice to fly past Earth for third gravity assist
    3. Scientific American — Jupiter-bound spacecraft Juice to fly by Earth Monday
    4. Tech Times — Earth Flyby Sunday Gives ESA JUICE Probe Free Speed Boost on Long Road to Jupiter
    5. Universe Today — JUICE Mission to Swing by Earth on September 28
    6. www.usatoday.com — Starship reached orbit for 1st time. What's next for SpaceX's rocket?
    7. scitechdaily.com — Great News From Enceladus: Saturn’s Icy Moon Just Became Even More Promising for Life
    8. arstechnica.com — NASA has a Dragon dilemma, and there appear to be no good answers
    9. www.archyde.com — Why a spacecraft exploring moons where life may thrive is ...
    10. www.europesays.com — Why a spacecraft exploring moons where life may thrive is ...
    11. earthsky.org — JUICE mission completes flyby of Earth: New pics!
    12. www.scientificamerican.com — Jupiter-bound spacecraft Juice to fly by Earth Monday
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