NASA’s Juno Spacecraft Enters Jupiter’s Orbit After 5-Year Journey
We’re about to get a closer look at Jupiter than ever before.
After five years and a nearly 2 billion mile journey through the solar system, NASA’s Juno probe has entered Jupiter’s orbit late Monday, getting an unprecedented front-row view of the gas giant — our solar system’s largest planet.
Ground controllers at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory erupted in applause when the solar-powered spacecraft beamed home the news it had entered the planet’s orbit.
Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP From left to right, Geoffrey Yoder, Michael Watkins, Rick Nybakken, Richard Cook and Jan Chodas celebrate in Mission Control at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory as Juno goes into orbit around Jupiter on July 4, 2016, in Pasadena, California.
“Juno, welcome to Jupiter,” said mission control commentator Jennifer Delavan of Lockheed Martin, which built Juno.
Success! Engine burn complete. #Juno is now orbiting #Jupiter, poised to unlock the planet's secrets. https://t.co/YFsOJ9YYb5
— NASA (@NASA) July 5, 2016
The four-ton Juno launched on Aug. 5, 2011, and is equipped with three 30-foot-long solar arrays, along with 18,696 individual solar cells, to help it make the most of the solar power it receives on its journey.
The spacecraft conducted a 35-minute burn of its main engine Monday, essentially hitting the brakes and slowing Juno by about 1,200 mph so it can enter Jupiter’s polar orbit.
Fly with @NASAJuno in this 360° experience! Move your mouse or phone to see the entire view: https://t.co/rzjg2HZa1v pic.twitter.com/GF06df3fDy
— NASA (@NASA) July 4, 2016
Once inserted into Jupiter’s orbit, Juno will circle the giant planet a total of 37 times over the course of 20 months. During that time, Juno is set to come as close as 3,000 feet above Jupiter’s cloud tops, getting our closest look ever at the planet.
The Juno probe gets its name from the Roman goddess and wife of Jupiter who was able to see through clouds.
Here's the last pic @NASAJuno took prior to shutting off its instruments 5 days ago https://t.co/eW0o09yEgh #Jupiter pic.twitter.com/xD9R9CxRn0
— NASA (@NASA) July 4, 2016
NASA officials said they hope the mission will help scientists learn more about Jupiter’s origins, structure, atmosphere and magnetosphere.
After a 5-year trek, I’m 1 week from #Jupiter. See the trailer for my #July4th orbit arrival https://t.co/nU3cvipV90 pic.twitter.com/lcs71gEfUJ
— NASA's Juno Mission (@NASAJuno) June 27, 2016
