JPL and the Space Age: Saving Galileo

Recent questions

• How do you make classic spaghetti carbonara?

  To make classic spaghetti carbonara, start by boiling 400g of spaghetti until it is al dente. In a separate pan, fry 200g of pancetta until it is crispy. In a bowl, whisk together 4 eggs with 100g of grated Pecorino Romano cheese. Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it and add it to the pan with the pancetta. Then, mix in the egg and cheese mixture. Serve the spaghetti carbonara immediately with extra cheese and black pepper for a delicious and satisfying meal.

• What challenges did the Galileo spacecraft face?

  The Galileo spacecraft faced a multitude of challenges during its mission. These challenges included hardware problems, trajectory issues, anomalies in flight, and a high gain antenna failure. The team behind the spacecraft also had to deal with adversity, fears of radiation exposure, and the constant threat of spacecraft failure. Despite these obstacles, the team came together and made heroic efforts to salvage the mission, even conducting remote telesurgery from 500 million miles away to keep the spacecraft operational.

• What was the significance of Galileo's mission?

  Galileo was the first spacecraft to orbit Jupiter, making it a groundbreaking mission in the exploration of the solar system. Despite facing numerous challenges, including protests over carrying plutonium onboard and budget cuts following the Challenger disaster, Galileo managed to capture the first global portrait of Earth in motion during its flyby. The spacecraft also witnessed historic events such as fragments of a comet colliding with Jupiter, providing valuable data on the force of the collisions and their aftermath. Galileo's legacy includes groundbreaking discoveries about Jupiter and its moons, showcasing the dedication and endurance of its team.

• How did the team behind Galileo overcome challenges?

  The team behind the Galileo spacecraft faced numerous challenges throughout its mission, including a crisis when the main antenna failed to deploy. Despite these obstacles, the team found innovative solutions to keep the spacecraft operational. They underwent a software transformation from a distance of 400 million miles, transmitted data using a less powerful low gain antenna and a reel-to-reel recorder, and even attempted various methods to fix the antenna, including software solutions. Through humor, camaraderie, and a will-do attitude, the team worked together to overcome challenges and ensure the success of the mission.

• What was the final mission of the Galileo spacecraft?

  The final mission of the Galileo spacecraft involved a collision with Jupiter to prevent contamination of Europa, one of Jupiter's moons. This decision was made to ensure that any potential life on Europa would not be affected by Earthly contaminants. Despite facing challenges throughout its mission, including hardware problems and antenna failures, Galileo's legacy includes groundbreaking discoveries about Jupiter and its moons. The spacecraft's endurance and the dedication of its team are part of its remarkable story, leaving a lasting impact on the exploration of the solar system.