Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: Atomic-S on 16/07/2016 04:59:45

Title: Is an extended mission to Jupiter's atmosphere feasible?
Post by: Atomic-S on 16/07/2016 04:59:45

How feasible is it to place a spacecraft in Jupiter's atmosphere that would remain there for an extended period of time collecting scientific data?

Title: Re: Is an extended mission to Jupiter's atmosphere feasible?
Post by: chris on 17/07/2016 22:43:33

Well that is "sort" of what Juno is doing; it's in an elliptical orbit, initially at an altitude of several thousand miles and then, later, it will descend to a much lower orbit. There's not much more to be gained by planting the probe "in" the atmosphere because most of the observations it is seeking to make can be obtained using instruments that work remotely, like spectrometers.