Jupiter and Trojan Asteroid Explorer

Jupiter and Trojan Asteroid Explorer

Operator	JAXA
Mission type	Asteroid exploration
Launch date	2019-2020 (cancelled)
Mission duration	11 years
Satellite of	Jupiter trojan
Power	Solar sail

The Jupiter and Trojan Asteroid Explorer is a cancelled Japanese JAXA mission that was proposed to have flown with the also cancelled Jupiter Magnetospheric Orbiter (JMO). Originally, it was intended as part of the Europa Jupiter System Mission - Laplace.

The craft was initially planned to use a solar sail and release the JMO orbiter in 2025 upon arriving in the Jovian system.^[1]

In November 2013, Japan's JAXA scientists stated that ″it turned out that a relatively low-cost solar power sail could not transport a magnetosphere orbiter with enough science payload in mass and size. Orbits around Jupiter would be restricted.″ ^[2]

References

1. Sasaki, Shio, et. al. (2010). "Jupiter Magnetospheric Orbiter and Trojan Asteroid Explorer" (PDF). COSPAR. Retrieved August 26, 2015.
2. Exploration of Jovian System by ESA-JUICE Mission: Participation of Japanese Teams. International Astrobiology Workshop 2013. November 28–30, 2013. Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan.