JGO / JUICE

As part of ESA’s “Cosmic Vision 2015-2025” program, OHB System has conducted a feasibility study for an orbiter for exploration of Jupiter and its moons Callisto and Ganymede (Jupiter Ganymede Orbiter - JGO). Also known as EJSM/Laplace, this project aims, among other things, to study the structure and composition of Jupiter and its four galilean moons Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto together with a NASA orbiter.

In addition, the ability to use the SmallGEO platform for this mission has been examined on behalf of DLR.

As a continuation of this successful feasibility study, ESA plans to include the exploration of Europa in the ensuing definition phase of this study as NASA is currently unable to finance the planned orbiter on account of budget constraints. Because the European orbiter will thus be exploring the three ice-covered Jupiter moons Europa, Ganymede and Callisto, the mission has been renamed “Jupiter Icy Moon Explorer - JUICE”. OHB System is currently seeking a participating role in the planned study and, given the success of the JGO study, assumes that it will be awarded a contract.