Juno Spacecraft Carries Galileo, Jupiter And Juno Mini-Statues

NASA's Juno spacecraft, which could launch as early as today (August 5), is carrying the 1.5-inch likeness of the Roman god Jupiter to orbit his namesake planet. Jupiter's wife, Juno, and famed astronomer Galileo Galilei will share the ride.

The inclusion of the three mini-statues, or figurines, is part of a joint outreach and educational program developed as part of the partnership between NASA and the LEGO Group to inspire children to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

In Greek and Roman mythology, Jupiter drew a veil of clouds around himself to hide his mischief. From Mount Olympus, Juno was able to peer through the clouds and reveal Jupiter's true nature. In LEGO's rendering, Juno, who oddly appears to wear a pantsuit and a modern, short hairstyle, holds a magnifying glass to signify her search for the truth, while her husband holds a lightning bolt. The third LEGO crew member is Galileo Galilei, who made several important discoveries about Jupiter, including the four largest satellites of Jupiter (named the Galilean moons in his honor). Of course, the miniature Galileo has his telescope with him on the journey.

The launch period for Juno extends through August 26. On Thursday morning, the vehicle was rolled from NASA's 286-foot-tall (87-meter) Vertical Integration Facility, where the Atlas V rocket and Juno were mated, to its launch pad at Space Launch Complex 41 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The Friday launch window extends from 1134 to 1243 EDT.

The solar-powered Juno spacecraft is expected to arrive at Jupiter in 2016, and will orbit the planet's poles 33 times to investigate the gas giant's origins, structure, atmosphere and magnetosphere. Juno's color camera will provide close-up images, including the first detailed glimpse of the planet's poles.

Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/KSC

FMI: www.nasa.gov/juno ; www.missionjuno.swri.edu