a. Go to websites for the NASA Juno mission (http://www. nasa.gov/mission_pages/juno and http://missionjuno.swri edu), a spacecraft that was launched in 2011 and is scheduled to arrive at Jupiter in \(2016 .\) What are the science goals of the mission? Examine the mission's trajectory. Why did it loop around the Sun and pass Earth again in 2013 before heading to Jupiter? Why is there a plaque dedicated to Galileo Galilei on the spacecraft? b. What are the main instruments for this mission? Are there any data yet? Have any discoveries been reported?

The Juno mission is a NASA spacecraft project that launched in 2011. It aims to explore Jupiter and unlock the mysterious planet's secrets. Juno was built to endure the harsh environment of space and carry advanced scientific instruments to gather critical data.
NASA's design emphasizes robustness and functionality. The spacecraft uses a distinctive three-wing solar panel setup to collect solar energy efficiently in the distant reaches of the solar system. This feature is essential since Jupiter is far from the Sun, and harnessing solar power becomes crucial for Juno's operations.
Juno also has a titanium vault to protect its sensitive electronics from Jupiter's intense radiation. This vault ensures the spacecraft's instruments remain operational throughout its mission.

Juno's mission is dedicated to exploring Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system. Jupiter’s immense size and unique composition provide valuable information about the formation of our solar system. The main science goals of the Juno mission include:

• Understanding Jupiter's composition and structure
• Examining Jupiter's magnetic field and magnetosphere
• Observing the planet’s dynamic atmosphere, including its weather patterns and storms
• Studying Jupiter’s gravity to learn about its internal structure

These objectives help researchers understand not only Jupiter but also broader planetary phenomena.

The Juno spacecraft carries a special plaque dedicated to Galileo Galilei. Galileo was a pioneering astronomer who made significant contributions to our understanding of the solar system. His observations in the early 17th century, including the discovery of Jupiter's four largest moons (Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto), were groundbreaking.
This plaque honors Galileo's legacy and his role in advancing space science. It's a fitting tribute as Juno continues to build upon Galileo's foundational discoveries, providing a deeper view into the giant planet's secrets.
Through this symbol of recognition, NASA aims to celebrate the spirit of exploration that Galileo exemplified.

Juno is equipped with several advanced scientific instruments designed to explore different aspects of Jupiter. These instruments include:

• JunoCam: A visible light camera for capturing stunning images of Jupiter’s atmosphere.
• Jovian Infrared Auroral Mapper (JIRAM): Analyzes infrared light to study Jupiter’s auroras.
• Magnetometer (MAG): Measures Jupiter’s magnetic field.
• Microwave Radiometer (MWR): Looks deep into Jupiter's atmosphere to study its composition and temperature.
• Gravity Science instruments: Utilize radio waves to understand Jupiter’s gravitational field.

Each instrument plays a crucial role in uncovering different layers of information about Jupiter, from its swirling clouds to its deep, hidden core.

One intriguing aspect of the Juno mission's journey is its trajectory involving a gravitational assist. After launching in 2011, Juno performed a flyby of Earth in 2013. This maneuver, known as a gravitational assist, significantly boosted Juno's speed without using extra fuel.
Gravitational assist involves using the gravity of a planet to change the speed and direction of a spacecraft. It's like getting a slingshot effect from the planet's gravitational pull. This technique is crucial for interplanetary missions, allowing spacecraft to gain the necessary velocity to reach distant destinations like Jupiter efficiently.
The Earth flyby allowed Juno to gain momentum, setting it on the right course toward Jupiter while conserving precious fuel.