Full Description
Focusing on the Galileo Mission, the story will relate this remarkable spacecraft's protracted gestation and the ordeal of its long haul out to Jupiter and its ultimate triumph: 5 years exploration within the Jovian system. The story spans a full quarter of a century, drawing on the press conferences, technical papers and essays of engineers and scientists involved in the mission which provide a real sense of participation as the discoveries poured in - it will bring the mission of the Galileo spacecraft to life and provide a more engaging account than would simply be achieved by recounting scientific results. The book will conclude with a snapshot "look ahead" into the Cassini flyby of Jupiter in December 2000 shortly after publication - the book released to coincide with this media event.
Contents
Foreword.- Acknowledgements.- Author's Preface.- Early Days.- Reconnaissance.- Galileo's Ordeal.- An Exploring Machine.- The Long Haul.- Target in Sight.- Atmospheric Probe.- The Capture Orbit.- Tectonic Ganymede.- Battered Callisto.- European Enigma.- Jupiter from Orbit.- Moonlets and Rings.- Fiery Io.- Passing the Torch.- Tables.- IAU Nomenclature.- Glossary Chapter Notes.- Further Reading.
