MISSION_OBJECTIVES_SUMMARY |
Mission Objectives Overview =========================== Mission Objectives Summary ========================== The Galileo mission was designed to make long-term investigations of the Jovian system using a spacecraft consisting of a Probe and an Orbiter. The Probe, after being released on the initial approach to Jupiter, entered the Jovian atmosphere and made in-situ measurements. The Probe data were relayed to Earth by the Orbiter. The Orbiter then entered orbit around Jupiter for a 23-month, 10-satellite encounter tour of the Jovian system. The Galileo Europa Mission continued to operate the Orbiter for an additional 24-month, 13-satellite encounter tour, leading into an additional extension. The Galileo Millennium Mission (GMM) continued for an additional 3 years, from January 2000 until January 2003, adding another 9 targeted satellite encounters to the Galileo spacecraft tour. Specific science objectives of the Galileo mission were: Jovian Atmosphere: Determine and investigate the chemical composition; structure to at least 10 bars; radiative heat balance; circulation and dynamics; nature of cloud particles. Gaspra, Ida, and Galilean Satellites: Characterize the morphology, geology and physical state; investigate the surface mineralogy and surface distribution of minerals. Galilean Satellites: Determine the gravitational and magnetic fields and dynamic properties; study the atmospheres, ionospheres and extended gas clouds; study the magnetospheric interactions of the satellites. Jovian Magnetosphere: Characterize the vector magnetic fields and the energy spectra, composition and angular distribution of plasma and energetic particles, including plasma wave phenomena, out to 150 Rj. Specific science objectives of the Galileo Europa Mission were: Europa Campaign: Study and characterize the crust, atmosphere and implications for possible subsurface ocean of Europa; study and characterize the interaction between Europa and Jupiter's magnetosphere; provide information that will support future missions to Europa. Perijove Reduction Campaign: Explore and map the Io plasma torus from Europa's orbit to Io's orbit; study and characterize the role of water in the dynamics of Jupiter's atmosphere; characterize regional volcanic activity on Io in preparation for the Io encounter campaign. Io Campaign: Study Io's internal structure, volcanic processes, atmosphere and magnetospheric environment at high resolution. Specific science objectives of the Galileo Millennium Mission were: Additional science for the Io Campaign from GEM: Observe Europa's interaction with the Jovian magnetosphere and examine any induced magnetic field in Europa during the E26 orbit; study Io's internal structure, volcanic processes, atmosphere and magnetospheric environment at high resolution in I27. Cassini Phase: Takes advantage of the unique opportunity presented by having a pair of spacecraft explore the Jupiter system simultaneously. Observations include joint magnetospheric/solar wind measurements, satellite and atmospheric remote sensing, and dust stream observations. Io Phase: Capitalizes on Galileo's proven ability to operate in the high radiation environment near Jupiter and on previous observations of Io's dramatic volcanic activity. Observations include high-latitude measurements of magnetospheric interactions, searching for intrinsic and/or induced magnetic field signatures, and studying the nature and extent of volcanism at both new and previously active sites. Inner Jupiter System Phase: A final high-risk, high-payoff plunge through the inner system, by Amalthea and only one Jupiter Radius above the cloud tops. Observations include Amalthea mass determination, in situ measurements of ring particles, inner magnetospheric plasma and radiation data, and determination of the current rate of secular change in Jupiter's magnetic field.
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