European Spacecraft on Way to Jupiter and Its Icy Moons

European Spacecraft on Way to Jupiter and Its Icy Moons
An Ariane rocket carrying the robotic explorer Juice takes off from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana, on April 14, 2023. ESA via AP
The Associated Press
Updated:

A European spacecraft rocketed away Friday on a decadelong quest to explore Jupiter and three of its icy moons that could hold buried oceans.

The journey began with a perfect morning liftoff by Europe’s Ariane rocket from French Guiana on the coast of South America. But there were some tense minutes later as controllers awaited signals from the spacecraft.