Juno Spacecraft entered safe mode on October 18 at around 10:47 PDT; 13 hours before closest approach. The software onboard induced a reboot on the vehicle’s onboard computer, setting the spacecraft´s computer into safe mode. All data has been restored and the spacecraft is handling flight software diagnostics. All of the spacecraft´s instruments are down and the gathering of data will not occur during the flyby. Safe mode is a safety procedure when conditions on the spacecraft are not as anticipated.
Safe mode
This is an operating mode in which all the non-essential systems on board a spacecraft arte turned off and only the essential functions, including radio reception and altitude control are left active.
Juno was designed to enter safe mode whenever the onboard computer recognizes strange conditions. During safe mode, Juno turned off instruments and some non-essential components. For an added safety measure, the spacecraft´s solar panels were directed towards the sun to guarantee that the solar arrays obtain solar power.
First flyby on August 27th
Data taken during Juno´s first perijove on august 27, 2016 are still being analyzed and they have revealed interesting information about Jupiter. Revelations show that the magnetic fields and aurora (north and south Pole displays of light) are more powerful than originally considered. The cloud tops of orange and yellow hues on Jupiter seem to extend deep into the interior of the planet
Mission
Juno spacecraft was launched on August 5, 2011 and arrived on the gas giant planet on July 4, 2916.
During its expected two years mission, the spacecraft will fly over Jupiter´s cloud tops and study its water contents and ammonia. It will also study Jupiter´s auroras and magnetic fields. The main objective of the mission is to obtain a better understanding of the planet´s origins and evolution. This scientific study will give a better comprehension of the evolution of the solar system.
An issue involving the performance of a pair of valves from Juno´s propulsion system is still under revision. Due to this issue, the burning of the spacecraft´s main engine, to reduce the orbital period from 53.4 to 14 days, was postponed for December 11, 2016, during which everything goes as expected, all of Juno´s science instruments will be turned on.
