Spin Rate of Galileo Probe During Descent into the Atmosphere of Jupiter

摘要

The comparison of the measured probe descent spin with the calculated spin assessment, as well as the excellent acquisition of the communications link to the Orbiter, show that the aerodynamic spin design of the probe was entirely adequate. The spin was slow enough to provide favorable conditions for timely establishment of a communications link with the overflying Orbiter and fast enough to provide the science payload sensors a continuous 360-deg survey of the local horizon throughout the Jovian descent mission.