Looks like you're using an older browser. For the best experience possible, please upgrade your browser or download a modern browser.
We recommend these free browsers: Firefox or Chrome
For the optimal Juno experience please install Chrome. Download Chrome. Or continue to explore features of the Juno spacecraft using the links on your left.
MEDIA GALLERY
Juno Above Jupiter’s Pole This artist’s concept depicts NASA’s Juno spacecraft above Jupiter’s north pole.
Launched in 2011, the Juno spacecraft will arrive at Jupiter in 2016 to study the giant planet from an elliptical, polar orbit. Juno will repeatedly dive between the planet and its intense belts of charged particle radiation, coming only 5,000 kilometers (about 3,000 miles) from the cloud tops at closest approach.
Juno's primary goal is to improve our understanding of Jupiter's formation and evolution. The spacecraft will spend a year investigating the planet's origins, interior structure, deep atmosphere and magnetosphere. Juno's study of Jupiter will help us to understand the history of our own solar system and provide new insight into how planetary systems form and develop in our galaxy and beyond.
Juno Above Jupiter's Pole This still image from a Juno mission animation shows the spinning, solar powered spacecraft in orbit above Jupiter's north pole. The bluish glow of the planet's auroras is seen far below.
Juno Solar Arrays Deploy This still image from a Juno mission animation shows how the spinning spacecraft might look during deployment of its giant solar arrays. Solar array deployment takes place just a few minutes after Juno separates from its launch vehicle upper stage booster.
Juno Centaur Separation This still image from a Juno mission animation shows the spacecraft soon after launch as it separates from its Centaur upper rocket stage. The Juno spacecraft is in its stowed-for-launch configuration here, with its three large solar arrays folded against its sides.
Juno Mission to Jupiter (2010 Artist's Concept) Launched from Earth in 2011, the Juno spacecraft will arrive at Jupiter in 2016 to study the giant planet from an elliptical, polar orbit. Juno will repeatedly dive between the planet and its intense belts of charged particle radiation, coming only 5,000 kilometers (about 3,000 miles) from the cloud tops at closest approach.
Juno's Communications Antennas The Juno spacecraft has five antennas, including the largest and primary communication antenna, known as the high-gain antenna (HGA). Four other antennas can be used as backups, or when the main antenna is pointed away from Earth, for certain science operations and navigation maneuvers.