Jovian Auroral Radio Source Occultation Modeling and Application to the JUICE Science Mission Planning

TL;DR

This paper validates the ExPRES simulation code for modeling Jovian radio emission occultations observed by Galileo, demonstrating its utility for planning JUICE mission flybys and advancing planetary radio science.

Contribution

It demonstrates that the ExPRES code accurately models Jovian radio occultations across the full spectral range observed by Galileo, supporting mission planning.

Findings

ExPRES code accurately models Jovian radio occultations.

Validation of ExPRES for spectral range observed by Galileo.

Method applicable for JUICE mission flyby planning.

Abstract

Occultations of the Jovian low frequency radio emissions by the Galilean moons have been observed by the PWS instrument of the Galileo spacecraft. We show that the ExPRES (Exoplanetary and Planetary Radio Emission Simulator) code accurately models the temporal occurrence of the occultations in the whole spectral range observed by Galileo/PWS. This validates of the ExPRES code. The method can be applied for preparing the JUICE moon flyby science operation planning. Occultations of the Jovian low frequency radio emissions by the Galilean moons have been observed by the PWS (Plasma Wave Science) instrument of the Galileo spacecraft. We show that the ExPRES (Exoplanetary and Planetary Radio Emission Simulator) code accurately models the temporal occurrence of the occultations in the whole spectral range observed by Galileo/PWS. This validates of the ExPRES code. In addition to supporting the analysis of the science observations, the method can be applied for preparing the JUICE moon flyby science operation planning.