1 Gravity Science Experiment Sat Sep 11, 2010 7:40 pm
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The primary objective of the Gravity Science Experiment is to determine the internal structure of Jupiter by making detailed measurements of its complete gravity field from polar orbit. The experiment is primarily a radio science experiment that uses the telecommunications system for sending data back to earth to measure the precise position of the Juno spacecraft relative to Jupiter. Mass distribution in the interior of Jupiter is expected to cause local variations in the gravity field of Jupiter, exerting a variable gravitational "pull" on the Juno spacecraft. These variations lead to tiny variations in the motion of the spacecraft around Jupiter, which are detected using the Doppler shift in the X and Ka band transponders used by the radio sub-system. A correction is usually applied for the effects resulting from the Earth's atmosphere during data processing. Juno will use a robust system to enable tracking of the spacecraft by employing three low gain antennae (LGAs) to provide complete tracking coverage in any spacecraft orientation.[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
Dr. John Anderson (JPL) is the Lead Co-Investigator for the Gravity Science. Mr. Anthony Mittskus is the Telecom Subsystem lead at JPL..]
Dr. John Anderson (JPL) is the Lead Co-Investigator for the Gravity Science. Mr. Anthony Mittskus is the Telecom Subsystem lead at JPL..]