Galileo Spacecraft

space exploration · Jupiter · robots · astronomy

Launched by shuttle. Galileo blasted off aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis on October 18, 1989, carrying both an orbiter and a probe designed to dive into Jupiter's atmosphere.

First outer planet orbiter. When Galileo arrived at Jupiter on December 7, 1995, it made history by becoming the first spacecraft ever to orbit one of the outer planets.

Asteroid bonus discoveries. On its way to Jupiter, Galileo flew past asteroids Gaspra and Ida, giving scientists their first up-close looks at these space rocks.

Named after a genius. The spacecraft was named after Galileo Galilei, the Italian astronomer who discovered Jupiter's four largest moons with his telescope over 400 years ago.

Clever gravity shortcuts. Instead of flying straight to Jupiter, Galileo took a longer route using gravity assists from Venus and Earth to gain the speed it needed.