Slice of History - Galileo: We’re On Our Way!

Galileo launched 35 years ago today, on 18 October 1989! As the first spacecraft to deploy an entry probe into an outer planet’s atmosphere, Galileo’s mission was to study Jupiter and its mysterious moons. The spacecraft also became notable for discoveries during its journey to the gas giant, such as evidence for the existence of a saltwater ocean beneath Europa’s icy surface, extensive volcanic processes on Io, and a magnetic field generated by Ganymede. Galileo was the first spacecraft to visit an asteroid (two, in fact!), and provided the only direct observations of a comet colliding with a planet.

This banner, flying against Building 264, which was the building that housed the Galileo team, recently came into the Archives’ custodianship, transferred from one of its designers, Bob Gounley. Gounley kindly included the tale of the banner’s origins, from the post-Challenger aerospace climate, to dozens of redesigns and retests, and the pressures to have a successful launch. This Galileo banner became a symbol of years of hard work and sacrifice to bring confidence back to the aerospace industry, and a moment of celebration for the Lab itself.

Over the course of its life, Galileo traveled 2.8 billion miles (4.6 billion kilometers), orbited Jupiter 34 times, and provided the only direct observations of a comet colliding with a planet. On 21 September 2003, Galileo plunged into Jupiter’s atmosphere to prevent an unwanted impact with Europa. CL#24-0645

The content presented here should be viewed in the context of the time period. Our intent is to present the history of JPL in a factual manner that uses primary resources and historical context. We recognize that some information or images do not reflect the current values, policies, and mission of JPL.