Jupiter-bound spacecraft makes history in ‘flawless’ Earth fly-by

An artist's impression if the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (Juice) as it passes the Earth. Picture:: ESA/PA Wire

A Jupiter-bound European spacecraft made history as it briefly returned to Earth in a “flawless” fly-by.

The Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (Juice) performed a risky manoeuvre known as gravity assist, coming just 4,250 miles (6,840km) above the planet’s surface on Tuesday at 10.56pm Irish time.