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The primary mission goals of the
Galileo Mission were to study the
chemical composition of the Jovian atmosphere and satellites, and to study
the magnetotail. In particular, the probe was going to measure the molecular,
elemental and isotopic composition of the atmosphere, composition of the
cloud particles, circulation and dynamics, heat balance and the temperature
and pressure structure. The goal of the satellite observations was
to look at the geological evolution, mineral distribution, gravitational and
magnetic fields, existence of atmospheres, and to study the interaction of
the satellites with the Jovian magnetosphere. The extended Europa mission
will not only fly by Europa 7 more times, but includes 4 Calliso encounters,
and a couple close Io flybys. The goal of the extended mission is a focused
follow-on which will also serve as preparation for future Europa missions.
The major objectives include a characterization of the crust, atmosphere
and possible ocean of Europa, and to map the Io plasma torus while an
intensive investigation of the volcanic processes on Io are ongoing.
Important Mission Milestones
- Oct. 18, 1989 - Launch (Atlantic Space Shuttle Orbiter)
- Jul. 13, 1995 - Probe released
- Dec. 7, 1995 - arrival at Jupiter
- Jun. 27, 1996 - Galileo's first encounter with Ganymede
- End of primary mission, begin the Europa Extended Mission
Role of the IRTF in Mission Support
- Observation of Galileo Probe Entry site
- Ground-Based monitoring of volcanic activity on Io
- Ground-based observations of the Jovian atmosphere to look at
temporal evolution and global context
- Observations of the Io flux tube
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