Tag: Jupiter
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Hubble observations reveal ocean on Ganymede
In this artist’s concept, the moon Ganymede orbits the giant planet Jupiter. NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope observed aurorae on the moon controlled by Ganymede’s magnetic fields. This field is embedded in Jupiter’s own immense magnetosphere (yellow field lines). A saline ocean under the moon’s icy crust reduces shifting in the auroral belts as measured by…
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Europa Clipper concept team aims for launch in 2022
Artist’s concept of the Europa Clipper spacecraft. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/JHUAPL With a commitment from the Obama administration finally in hand after more than a decade of studies and concept papers, NASA expects to give the green light this year for development of a robotic probe to Jupiter’s icy moon Europa that could launch as soon as…
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NASA and ESA’s Cassini spacecraft marks 10 years at Saturn
Ten years ago today (Monday, June 30), NASA made history as the Cassini spacecraft became the first human-made satellite of Saturn – beginning an orbital tenure that has altered planetary scientists’ thoughts on the “habitable zone” and life-sustaining areas of the solar system. Two decades of development: What would ultimately become the Cassini-Huygens mission dates…
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Following the decadal survey: NASA focus on Europa mission
In what is a significant step forward in planning for a mission to Jupiter’s moon Europa, NASA has released a Request for Information to the science and engineering communities for ideas regarding a mission to the Jovian moon to help address fundamental questions about the moon and the search for life beyond Earth. The Decadal…
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Juno slingshot – Spacecraft zips past Earth en route to Jupiter
NASA’s Juno spacecraft performed a close gravity assist flyby of the Earth on Wednesday, aiding its five-year journey to Jupiter. Earth’s gravity accelerating assist for the solar-powered spacecraft will result in increasing its velocity by 16,330 miles per hour, en route to studying Jupiter’s atmosphere as a means of better understanding how the planet, and…
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SLS capability touted for Europa Lander capability, Enceladus sample return
As the Space Launch System (SLS) teams head into their first full year since the vehicle was finally announced, fascinating – albeit well into the future – Exploration Systems Development (ESD) Design Reference Mission (DRM) options for deep space have been outlined in the SLS Concept Of Operations (Con Ops), options which include ambitious missions…