Watch live: ESA launches mission to explore Jupiter’s ocean-bearing moons
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) is set to take off today (14 April) after it was delayed yesterday (13 April) due to lightning warnings.
Led by the European Space Agency, the mission will explore Europa, Ganymede and Callisto - three moons that have oceans, which scientists believe could contain signs of life.
“It’s like trying to find lots of needles in a haystack, and those needles are changing shape and colour all the time. But we think the results are going to be spectacular", says Professor Michele Dougherty, of Imperial College London.
However, the £1.4 billion project won't be a quick one, as the probe will take eight years to arrive, meaning we may not have information on its findings until 2031.
This mission forms part of the larger goal to reach Jupiter.
Sign up for our newsletters.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments