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Project Galileo: completing Europa, preparing for Io
J K Erickson1, Z N Cox, B G Paczkowski
1Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA.
Acta Astronautica
|November 16, 2001
Summary
The Galileo spacecraft
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Space Physics
- Astrophysics
Background:
- The Galileo mission has completed its Europa encounters, gathering data on Jupiter's moons.
- The spacecraft is preparing for the Io phase of its extended mission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present new findings on Europa's magnetosphere, interior, and surface features.
- To discuss data on Callisto and its potential subsurface ocean.
- To explore engineering challenges and lessons learned from the Galileo mission.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from ten close passes of Europa.
- Examination of engineering data related to spacecraft operations and anomalies.
- Assessment of radiation effects on spacecraft systems.
Main Results:
- New insights into Europa's interactions with Jupiter's magnetosphere.
- Evidence suggesting a subsurface water layer on Europa.
- Data on Callisto's potential for a subsurface ocean.
- Identification of spacecraft anomalies due to high radiation levels.
Conclusions:
- Europa exhibits features strongly indicative of a subsurface ocean.
- Callisto may also possess a subsurface ocean.
- Engineering data from radiation-induced anomalies will inform future deep-space missions.
- The Galileo mission team demonstrated resilience in overcoming operational challenges.