Why a spacecraft exploring moons where life may thrive is zipping by Earth — Live Feedhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/why-a-spacecraft-exploring-moons-where-life-may-thrive-is-zipping-by-earthContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. ESA's JUICE Spacecraft Flies by Earth for Gravity Assisthttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/why-a-spacecraft-exploring-moons-where-life-may-thrive-is-zipping-by-earthhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/why-a-spacecraft-exploring-moons-where-life-may-thrive-is-zipping-by-earth#u93901Fri, 02 Oct 2026 00:21:51 +0000The 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 mattersThe 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 i