ESA\u2019s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (Juice) spacecraft successfully passed through Earth\u2019s Van Allen radiation belts, completing a significant achievement in its mission to explore Jupiter. The mission, led by ESA, tested the RADiation-hard Electron Monitor (RADEM), designed to measure high-energy particles in severe settings.<\/strong><\/p>\n ESA\u2019s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (Juice) has passed a critical test through Earth\u2019s Van Allen radiation belts in its recent flyby of Earth. This is an essential milestone for Juice and its mission crew, which includes scientists and engineers. This test relied heavily on the ESA-developed RADiation-hard Electron Monitor (RADEM), a machine designed specially by ESA to measure high radiation levels and assess its functionality in extreme environments.<\/p>\n The flyby occurred through Earth\u2019s Van Allen radiation belts, which surround the Earth and pose substantial problems because of their high radiation. These Belts are regions of high-energy particles encircling Earth with energetic protons in the inner belt and energetic electrons in the outer belt. The radiation intensity here is comparatively lesser than that of Jupiter, where highly energetic electrons can penetrate even the thickest shielding and potentially damage the spacecraft\u2019s scientific instruments over time.<\/p>\n RADEM, a key component of Juice\u2019s scientific payload, is designed to monitor and measure radiation in these harsh environments. It includes several critical elements: the Directional Detector Head (DDH), the Electron Detector Head (EDH), and the Proton and Heavy Ion Detector Head (P&HIDH).<\/p>\n During the flyby, RADEM successfully measured these electron and proton radiation intensities. Data visualizations indicated intensity peaks as Juice passed through the densest parts of the belts, validating its performance in harsh conditions.<\/p>\n This event occurred in early September 2024 as part of Juice\u2019s voyage. The spacecraft was launched on April 14, 2023, from Europe\u2019s Spaceport in French Guiana and will make a series of flybys before reaching Jupiter in July 2031.\u00a0<\/p>\n The data acquired through this flyby will help to prepare RADEM for the harsher radiation environment expected around Jupiter, allowing the spacecraft\u2019s scientific equipment to function correctly. This test proved RADEM\u2019s functioning and enabled cross-calibration with other spacecraft, ensuring its preparedness for future missions in Jupiter\u2019s radiation environment.<\/p>\n References:<\/p>\n \u00b9 Juice\u2019s flight through Earth\u2019s radiation belts \u2013 Marco Pinto \u2013 ESA \u2013 September 3, 2024<\/p>\n \u00b2 Jupiter Icy Moons Mission (JUICE) \u2013 ESA \u2013 Accessed September 4, 2024<\/p>\n \u00b3 Juice\u2019s RADiation-hard Electron Monitor (RADEM) \u2013 ESA \u2013 Accessed September 4, 2024<\/p>\n\n
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