deep-space probe
Quick Summary
A space probe is an unmanned spacecraft designed to gather information from outer space and transmit it back to Earth. These probes are given enough velocity to escape Earth's gravity. A deep-space probe specifically ventures beyond the Earth-Moon system, and if it's sent to explore other planets, it's also called a planetary probe.12
The Pioneer program, for instance, launched a series of probes for interplanetary study. While early Pioneers focused on the Moon, later ones investigated planets and measured space conditions. Pioneer 6 studied solar wind and cosmic rays, while Pioneer 10 was the first probe to fly by Jupiter. Other probes, like Deep Space 1, were developed to test new technologies for future missions, such as ion engines and autonomous navigation. Spacecraft, including probes, are designed with various shapes depending on their mission and must withstand the harsh conditions of space, including vacuum, microgravity, extreme temperatures, and radiation.3425
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spacecraftDeep-space probes, such as the Galileo spacecraft that went into orbit around Jupiter in 1995 and the Cassini spacecraft launched to Saturn in 1997, are usually powered by small, long-lived radioisotope thermoelectric generators, which convert heat emitted by a radioactive element such as plutonium directly…
Read MoreDeep-space probes, such as the Galileo spacecraft that went into orbit around Jupiter in 1995 and the Cassini spacecraft launched to Saturn in 1997, are usually powered by small, long-lived radioisotope thermoelectric generators, which convert heat emitted by a radioactive element such as plutonium directly…
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spaceflightKinds of spacecraftA deep-space probe is a probe sent beyond the Earth-Moon system; if sent to explore other planets, it is also called a planetary probe. An experiment capsule is a small unmanned laboratory that is often recovered after its flight. A space station is an artificial structure…
Read MoreA deep-space probe is a probe sent beyond the Earth-Moon system; if sent to explore other planets, it is also called a planetary probe. An experiment capsule is a small unmanned laboratory that is often recovered after its flight. A space station is an artificial structure…
Read More