Jupiter spacecraft encounters problem

A spacecraft circling Jupiter has shut off its camera and gone into safe mode after detecting a problem.

NASA's Juno spacecraft

A spacecraft circling Jupiter has gone into safe mode after detecting a problem. (AAP)

NASA engineers are trying to determine what went wrong after a spacecraft circling Jupiter had another problem.

The space agency said on Wednesday that Juno detected a problem, went into safe mode and shut off its camera and instruments.

The spacecraft can communicate with Earth but its activities are limited.

It is the latest problem for Juno, which has been orbiting Jupiter since July on a mission to explore its poles, atmosphere and interior.

Last week, mission managers postponed an engine firing after valves in the spacecraft's propulsion system did not work as expected.

The delay means Juno will not swing close again to Jupiter until December.

The spacecraft made a close pass in August, beaming back pictures of the north pole.


Share

1 min read

Published

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world