Some or all of the features on this page requires the Planets Expansion in-app purchase.
Jupiter is an interesting planet, as it has interesting moons and large size.
A rocket that can get to Jupiter and its Galilean moons
Requirements[]
- Main article: [[]]
To even be able to send a rocket to Jupiter, you need a lot of fuel to reach it. Earth and Venus gravity assists can help save fuel, but will take a longer time. Trajectory correction maneuvers may also be needed here.
Mission types[]
Gravity assists[]
Your rocket can do a gravity assist of Jupiter, like what the Cassini–Huygens probe did to reach Saturn, or what the New Horizons probe did to reach the Pluto–Charon binary system. The spacecraft can gain a lot of speed relative to the Sun by doing this. Ensure the direction of exit is closer to being parallel to Jupiter's current velocity than the direction of entry to accelerate your orbit (increasing its radius on the opposite side), or further away to decelerate (decreasing it).
The gravity assist of Jupiter can send a rocket towards other planets (Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune), a dwarf planet or interstellar space.
Orbit[]
Your rocket can also orbit Jupiter, simply by burning retrograde on the perijove of the trajectory.
Atmospheric probe[]
You can target your spacecraft right at Jupiter's atmosphere, or deorbit it and enter Jupiter's atmosphere. This is helpful in studying the atmospheric composition of its atmosphere.
This mission is very risky, so bring a very strong heat shield.
Space stations[]
You can build a space station orbiting Jupiter or one of its moons. They can either study the planet/moon or refuel a rocket that has almost run out of fuel.
Galilean moon missions[]
- Main article: [[]]
You can also send your spacecraft to orbit or land on Jupiter's moons. An example of this is NASA's Europa Clipper. Other proposals include a lander on Europa with a drill to search for signs of life under its surface.
You can make a Rocket that goes to all Galilean moons in 1 launch.