Escape from Jupiter facts for kids

Escape from Jupiter is an Australian science fiction TV show. It's about a group of kids who live on Io, one of Jupiter's moons. The show aired from November 1994 to March 1995 on ABC. It had 13 exciting episodes.

When a volcano on Io erupts, the people living there must escape. They turn an old space station into a spaceship. Their goal is to reach the safety of Earth. Along the way, they have many adventures and become close friends. This series was followed by Return to Jupiter.

Meet the Characters

The main character is Michael Faraday. He's a teenager who has always lived in space. He lives with his dad on the moon Io. Io is a mining colony, mostly for adults. But some families, like Michael's, live there too.

Michael's best friend is Kingston. Kingston's dad is the colony's doctor. There are also Jarrod and Anna, whose dad is a miner. Jarrod and Michael often compete. Jarrod is strong, and Michael is smart. Michael's dad flies a space tug. He moves people and equipment around Io.

Life on Io Colony

The story takes place in the near future. A man named Duffy runs the mining colony. He works for the company that owns the mine. Professor Jacob Ingasole is an older expert. He studies how mining affects Io. His past predictions were often ignored. But his latest warnings about lava flow are serious. Even with danger, the deep mining continues.

A group of scientists from Earth arrives. This is where we meet Kumiko and her parents. Kumiko's parents are experts in studying earthquakes. Kumiko is used to life on Earth. She seems a bit spoiled at first. She always carries her computer with her.

The Great Escape Begins

The story starts in the mines on Io. Even though it's forbidden, the older teens sneak in. Michael and Jarrod take Kumiko into the mines. Kingston and Anna try to cover for them. While they are inside, an automatic mining machine hits a lava pocket. This causes a huge explosion. Tunnels collapse, trapping the three teens.

They find a hidden shelter. The main exit is blocked by lava and sulfur. So, they climb up an old air vent. Meanwhile, Kingston and Anna are in the Jupiter bar. They watch as adults look at maps. The adults try to find the trapped kids. Kingston figures out where the trio would go. Soon, both groups meet up, much to everyone's relief.

Danger on Io

After the explosion, Duffy says the colony is safe. He wants mining to start again. But Professor Ingosol strongly disagrees. He believes they "must evacuate immediately!" He suggests going to KL-5. KL-5 is the original ship that brought colonists to Io. It was used to set up the colony. But it was not meant for long space travel. Most of its systems were moved to Io. KL-5 has been empty for almost 10 years.

Michael convinces his dad to check out KL-5. Michael and Kumiko secretly go along. Duffy is alerted to the unauthorized takeoff. Michael's dad pretends he's just testing the tug's engines.

Reactivating KL-5

When they reach KL-5, the remote system doesn't work. Professor Ingosol suggests going in through the garbage chute. It's too small for adults, but perfect for teens. Michael and Kumiko become the reluctant explorers. Their space suits have only 10 minutes of air left. The garbage chute is near the main control hub. They hope to make it in time.

Back at the colony, lava is pouring into the tunnels. It's a race against time. Duffy orders them to reactivate the station. Michael and Kumiko get inside. The station's layout is different from what Professor Ingosol remembered. Just as they are about to give up, Kumiko follows computer cables. They lead them to the main hub.

They reach the terminal. They insert the main boot disc, but nothing happens. After several tries, Michael hits the computer. Suddenly, the station hums to life! KL-5's huge solar sails open. They absorb sunlight to power the station. Soon, there's breathable air. Michael and Kumiko announce, "KL-5 is ready for passengers!"

Escape from the Moon

Now, everyone must evacuate to KL-5. More damage hits the colony. Some areas, like the living quarters, are now dangerous. Kingston and Anna want to get their belongings. They go on their own trip. Kumiko is supposed to watch them. She realizes they are missing and asks Michael for help. Michael goes with Kumiko.

Kingston and Anna are returning with their things. They run into Mr. Duffy. Another explosion rocks the colony. This separates Michael and Kumiko from the others. Most people are now on KL-5. Michael and Kumiko go to an old landing platform. They find a pressure sensor and activate it. They hope it will show others where they are.

Michael's father is worried about his son. He tries to go through a collapsed tunnel. He is pulled back, but he refuses to leave. On KL-5, Professor Ingosol gets a signal. Kingston realizes it must be Michael and Kumiko. The group sets off and rescues them. Just in time, the entire colony explodes and is covered by lava.

Journey to Earth

Now safe on KL-5, the survivors face a big choice. Should they stay, or should they leave? The last supply ship left recently. The next one won't arrive for six months. Some people worry about traveling across the solar system in an old station. After looking at all options, they decide to go to Earth.

To escape Jupiter's strong gravity, they connect the space tug to KL-5. As the countdown begins, an error appears. They can't fire the thrusters from the control room. In the tug, Jarrod, his dad, and Michael's dad try to fix the problem. They test the tug's engines. The tug works, so it must be the station's computer.

With less than a minute left, they still have no control. The three in the tug decide to fire the engines manually. At the right moment, the engines roar to life! The tug's engines push the station hard. The whole station shakes violently. They are trying to escape Jupiter's pull. The tug's engines go past their limit. The station speeds up and finally escapes Jupiter's gravity. Next stop: Saturn!

Slingshot Around Saturn

Later, Michael, Kingston, and Jarrod are in the hydroponics bay. This area makes oxygen for the station. Kingston asks Michael why they are going to Saturn. Saturn is farther from Earth. Michael explains it saves fuel. They will use Saturn's gravity to "slingshot" around it. This will send them straight towards Earth.

A problem with a solar sail threatens their journey. But Carl works hard to fix the hydraulics. This allows the solar sail to move correctly. They successfully slingshot around Saturn.

As they get closer to the inner planets, they face their next challenge: the asteroid belt.

Who's Who in the Cast

• Abe Forsythe as Kingston
• Anna Choy as Kumiko
• Steve Bisley as Duffy
• Fiona Stewart as Celia
• Daniel Taylor as Michael
• Justin Rosniak as Gerard (Jarrod)
• Robyn MacKenzie as Anna
• Arthur Dignam as Prof Ingosol
• Ivar Kants as Carl

The Book Version

In 1995, a book called Escape from Jupiter was released. It was written by David Ogilvy. The book is based on the TV series. It was 240 pages long. Penguin Character Books Ltd published it. The BBC licensed it. The book is not printed anymore.