Juno spacecraft

NASA's Juno spacecraft enters Jupiter's orbit

Question: US space agency NASA’s Juno spacecraft sent to study Jupiter, entered into its orbit on-
(a) 8 July 2016
(b) 7 July 2016
(c) 5 July 2016
(d) 4 July 2016
Ans. (d)
Related facts:

  • On 4 July 2016 US space agency NASA’s Juno spacecraft sent to study Jupiter, entered into its orbit.
  • The Juno spacecraft was launched on Aug. 5, 2011, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.
  • Juno’s principal goal is to understand the origin and evolution of Jupiter.
  • With its suite of nine science instruments, Juno will investigate the existence of a solid planetary core, map Jupiter’s intense magnetic field, measure the amount of water and ammonia in the deep atmosphere, and observe the planet’s auroras.
  • The Juno spacecraft is powered by solar arrays.
  • Lockheed Martin Space Systems in Denver built the spacecraft.
  • The partner country of the mission includes European Space Agency associated countries like Italy, France and Belgium
  • Juno is part of NASA’s New Frontiers Program, managed at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, United States.
  • It should be noted that the spacecraft’s name comes from Greco-Roman mythology in which goddess Juno was the wife of Jupiter.

Reference:
https://www.missionjuno.swri.edu/news/juno_spacecraft_in_orbit_around_mighty_jupiter