phase

The experiment configuration described here is based on the JUICE Interplanetary Transfer Phase (ITP)/cruise phase, which runs from the end of the Near-Earth Commissioning Phase (NECP) up to six months prior to the execution of the Jupiter Orbit Insertion (JOI). The interplanetary transfers described in [39, 40] are the basis for this case study and are shown in Fig. 4. The comprehensive list of planetary flyby events during the ITP period is given in Table 2. The transfer involves flybys of Venus,
1https://github.com/jive-vlbi/sched 2https://gitlab.com/gofrito/makekey |  | Parameters | Spice Kernel | Radio Fundamental Catalog |

| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| L0: Input | Start Date, Stop Date Time, Frame, Time-Steps Search: Degree | Spk MetaKernel | RFC Catalog |
| L1: Python Packages | RA Wrap Function Plot Molleweide Projection | Calculate JUICE Trajectory Search Protentional Sources | Extract VLBI RFC Coordinates |
| L2: Output | Molleweide Projection with JUICE and RFC Catalog Finding Chart Zoom-in Plot for 24 hours |  |  |

[Figure: Fig. 5 Software architecture for the PRIDE planning and scheduling tool. The first section of the software, shown in orange blocks, is employed as the input section and consists of user input, the Spice kernel, and the Radio Fundamental Catalogue (RFC). The second section of the program includes a specially created Python module, a Spicepy wrapper, and Astropy, which calculates the trajectory of the spacecraft (in light blue). The finding chart using Mollweide projection and zoomed-in plots (e.g., as shown in Fig. 7) are produced using this software’s third and output sections (in green).]

Earth, and the Moon in various geometric configurations, according to the CReMA [39] version 5.0b23. The PRIDE data processing pipelines and methodologies outlined in previous sections will be carried out in ‘live’ tests during the mission’s cruise phase in preparation for scientific operations in the Jovian system, in particular, to develop and test improved automation and data analysis procedures. Although these experiments are primarily carried out for testing and calibration purposes, the PRIDE data acquired during these sessions can also be used for a number of scientific applications, which are listed in Table 3. ESA’s deep space stations ESTRACK will be used to conduct spacecraft tracking throughout the interplanetary phase, primarily for navigation purposes. PRIDE will run its observations (PRIDE-EXP1, Table 3) in parallel with part of MOC’s standard weekly orbit determination sessions during the ITP and nominal phases. PRIDE will undertake four to six spacecraft observing sessions each year for testing purposes. PRIDE is planning to do observations close to the Venus flyby (PRIDE-EXP2, Table 3). Of the entire cruise phase, the Venus flyby most closely mimics the situation of prime scientific interest for PRIDE: the flybys at the Galilean moons. During the Venus flyby, the spacecraft constraints are high due to thermal conditions (no nadir pointing in particular) and there will be severe limitations on payload operations [39]. Provided that the MGA is on during the flyby (or very near it), the training experiment during the flyby will also provide VLBI data to improve the Venus ephemeris.

[Figure: Fig. 6 Sky distribution of the total of 21,906 compact radio sources from the RFC catalogue]