Galileo (spacecraft)

High school (ages 12+)
Space & Astronomy

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/galileo-spacecraft

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the spacecraft type?Robotic orbiter and atmospheric probe
2. What is the primary scientific objectives?Study Jupiter's atmosphere, magnetosphere, and moons; investigate asteroids Gaspra and Ida
3. What was the Galileo spacecraft and why was it important?Galileo was a robot that flew to Jupiter and became the first spacecraft to orbit an outer planet. It helped scientists learn a lot about Jupiter, its moons, and the outer solar system.
4. How did Galileo travel from Earth to Jupiter?Galileo used the gravity of Venus and Earth to speed up, a trick called a gravity assist. This helped it reach Jupiter in a few years.

Jovian System: The collection of planets, moons, rings, and other objects associated with the planet Jupiter.
In-situ Measurement: Direct observation or measurement of a celestial body or phenomenon at its location.
Astrobiological Potential: The likelihood that a celestial body or environment could support life.
Tidal Heating: Internal heating of a celestial body caused by gravitational forces from a larger body.