Launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis for Galileo Probe

October 18th, 1989

October 18th, 1989

Launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis for Galileo Probe
How Long Ago?

35 years, 4 months, 25 days ago

Location

Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA

Category

Space Exploration

People
  • Richard N. Richards
  • Charles D. Gemar
  • John M. Lounge
  • Franklin Chang-Díaz
Links & References
Tags

Launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis for Galileo Probe

Space Shuttle Atlantis launched from Kennedy Space Center to deploy the Galileo spacecraft, which was designed to study Jupiter and its moons. The mission marked a significant step in deep space exploration, paving the way for discoveries regarding the gas giant and its many satellites. Atlantis's crew played a pivotal role in overseeing the deployment, ensuring that Galileo was set on the correct trajectory for its long journey ahead.

Galileo mission studied Jupiter and its moons

Crew members included Richard N. Richards

Mission used gravity assist to reach Jupiter

Provided critical insights into gas giant systems

What Happened?

The Space Shuttle Atlantis launched successfully from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to deploy the Galileo spacecraft, aimed at exploring Jupiter and its moons. The mission, designated STS-34, commenced on October 18, 1989, and marked an important milestone in NASA's ongoing commitment to space exploration. The crew of Atlantis included Commander Richard N. Richards, Pilot Charles D. Gemar, and Mission Specialists Franklin Chang-Díaz and John M. Lounge, who all contributed to the mission's success. During the flight, the crew executed a series of critical maneuvers to safely deploy the Galileo spacecraft into its destined trajectory toward Jupiter.Galileo was equipped with sophisticated instruments designed to gather data on Jupiter's atmosphere, magnetic field, and radiation environment. The spacecraft also carried an orbiter and a probe, the latter of which would be released into Jupiter's atmosphere to provide insights into its chemical composition and weather patterns. This mission was notable not only for its ambitious objectives but also for its engineering feats, including the first use of a spacecraft to utilize a gravity assist from Venus to gain speed toward its target.The deployment of Galileo from Atlantis marked the beginning of a journey that would take almost six years, culminating in its arrival at Jupiter in 1995. The data returned by the Galileo spacecraft expanded our understanding of the gas giant and its complex system of moons, including the discovery of subsurface oceans on Europa and the volcanic activity on Io. The mission provided a wealth of information that continues to inform our knowledge of the outer solar system.

Why Does it Matter?

The launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis and the deployment of the Galileo spacecraft stands out as a key achievement in the field of planetary science and exploration. It opened up a new era of understanding regarding the Jovian system, revealing complexities that reshaped our perceptions of gas giants and their moons. The insights gained from the Galileo mission have had lasting implications for future exploration programs and fostered interest in the ongoing search for extraterrestrial life.

Discover More Historic Events from October 18th

Space Exploration

First All-Female Spacewalk by NASA Astronauts

October 18th, 2019 5 years ago

NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Christina Koch participated in the first all-female spacewalk, where they ventured outside the International Space Station to replace a faulty power controller. This historic milestone marked a significant achievement in NASA's commitment to gender equality in space exploration. The astronauts worked together in the vacuum of space, showcasing their skills and training while accomplishing an important technical task that contributes to the station's functionality.

Continue Reading
Social Movements & Civil Rights

Santiago Riots Prompt State of Emergency Declaration

October 18th, 2019 5 years ago

Violent protests erupted in Santiago over a metro fare hike, leading to clashes between demonstrators and police. Responding to escalating chaos, President Sebastián Piñera declared a 15-day state of emergency while nearly all of the city's 164 Metro stations faced attacks, showcasing widespread discontent in the capital. The protests highlighted deep-rooted economic grievances and inequality, drawing attention from both national and international observers.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Benazir Bhutto's motorcade bombing in Karachi

October 18th, 2007 17 years ago

A suicide bomb attacks a motorcade carrying former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in Karachi, resulting in 139 fatalities and injuring 450 others. The explosion occurred during her homecoming rally after an eight-year self-imposed exile. Despite the severity of the attack, Bhutto escaped unhurt, highlighting the continuing threats facing political figures in Pakistan.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada Resigns Amid Gas Conflict

October 18th, 2003 21 years ago

Amid widespread protests against gas exports, Bolivian President Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada resigns and flees the country. The conflict, fueled by public opposition to privatization and foreign control of natural resources, leads to significant political upheaval. Demonstrations escalate, resulting in violence and fatalities, forcing the president to abandon his position and leave Bolivia in search of safety.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Merpati Nustantara Airlines Flight 5601 Crash

October 18th, 1992 32 years ago

Merpati Nustantara Airlines Flight 5601, a regional flight in Indonesia, tragically crashed into Mount Papandayan near Garut, West Java. The incident occurred due to challenging weather conditions which caused the aircraft to lose altitude and collide with the mountain. Onboard, 31 individuals lost their lives, including passengers and crew members. The loss was profoundly felt across the airline industry and the local community.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Azerbaijan's Declaration of Independence

October 18th, 1991 33 years ago

The Supreme Council of Azerbaijan adopted a declaration of independence from the Soviet Union, marking a significant shift in the political landscape of the region. This move came amidst growing nationalist movements and a decline in Soviet authority, as nations sought to assert their sovereignty. The declaration was a culmination of years of ethnic tensions and the desire for autonomy, reflecting the aspirations of the Azerbaijani people. This historic document aimed to establish a new political framework, paving the way for Azerbaijan's emergence as an independent nation.

Continue Reading