Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (Juice) Faces Antenna Deployment Issue: ESA's Solution Strategies

Launched on April 15, the Juice probe, currently en route to the Jupiter system, has encountered a deployment issue with its crucial Radar for Icy Moons Exploration (RIME) antenna[1]. Stuck at approximately one-third of its intended total length, a tiny pin is suspected to be preventing the antenna's release from its mounting bracket. 

ESA's mission control teams are implementing various strategies to address this problem, including an engine burn and a series of spacecraft rotations[1]. With a two-month window to solve the issue, the Juice spacecraft has successfully deployed its solar panels, medium-gain antenna, and 10.6-meter magnetometer arm[1]. 

The RIME instrument, designed to study the surface and subsurface structure of Jupiter's icy moons down to a depth of 9 km, aims to explore the potential for habitability around gas giants and the formation of our Solar System[2]. As ESA technicians continue to work on resolving the RIME antenna deployment issue, updates will be provided in the coming days[1].

References: [1] Sticky Situation: Critical Antenna on ESA's Jupiter Icy ... [2] Key Tool on Newly Launched Jupiter Probe Exhibiting ... [3] JUICE spacecraft might have to shake loose a struck antenna