A scale model of NASA’s Juno Spacecraft before its launch in 2016. It’s just been given a new lease … [+]
AFP via Getty Images
Three of Jupiter’s largest moons—Io, Europa and Ganymede—will be visited by NASA’s Juno probe currently in the Jupiter system after its imminent “death dive” was postponed for four years.
Last week it was reported that Juno witnessed an asteroid or comet slam into Jupiter and disintegrate in its atmosphere.
Previously planned to plunge into Jupiter’s clouds after completing its 35th and final orbit on July 30, 2021, Juno’s extended mission will see it perform close flybys of the three moons through 2025.
In orbit of Jupiter since July 4, 2016, the 66 x 15 ft. spacecraft has just completed its 32nd perijove (close flyby) of the giant planet and returned a stack of incredible new images.
Juno’s extended mission will see…