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What is unique about the Galileo mission?

The Galileo mission makes major advances over previous missions to Jupiter:

1. Galileo's atmospheric Probe was the first spacecraft to directly sample an outer planet atmosphere,
2. Galileo is the first orbiter of a gas giant planet,
3. Galileo will have close satellite encounters hundreds of times closer than Voyager's,
4. Galileo will spend as long as four years of surveying the Jovian environment,
5. Galileo uses instrumentation much more capable than for previous missions.

How will learning about Jupiter help scientists understand Earth and the Solar System?

The Jovian system contains clues to much of the early history of the solar system. Advances in such fields as meteorology, geochemistry, geology and geophysics, atmospheric sciences and space physics are expected. These are all disciplines which benefit all the earth sciences and understanding both our own planet and our place in the universe.

What are the most fascinating aspects of Jupiter compared to other planets?

• Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system - ~70% the mass of all planets combined
• It has a large satellite system (16 moons at last count!)
• Jupiter has a unique ring system
• The Jovian system is home to themMost volcanically active body know - Io
• Jupiter has the largest magnetosphere of any planet -- it's the largest object in the solar system!

For more on this subject, consult the Galileo General FAQ