Elapsed Mission Time: 413 Days (1.23 yrs.) 04 Hours 57 Minutes
Time of Arrival: 1387 Days (3.8 yrs.) 08 Hours 02 Minutes
As of Sept. 19, Juno was approximately 294 million miles (473 million kilometers) from Earth, with a one-way radio signal travel time of approximately 26.4 minutes. The spacecraft has now traveled 495 million miles (797 million kilometers) since launch. Juno is currently traveling at a velocity of 33,200 miles (53,400 kilometers) per hour relative to the sun. Velocity relative to Earth is 97,000 miles (156,100 kilometers) per hour. The spacecraft is in excellent health and is operating nominally. Three instruments -- MWR, Waves, and the magnetometer experiment -- are turned on and collecting data.
Juno Firing It’s Main Engine
Juno’s second deep space maneuver (or DSM) was performed on Sept. 14; the first maneuver was successfully completed on Aug. 30. Following these two large main engine burns, the spacecraft was put back into cruise configuration and is now headed back toward the inner solar system for a planned Earth flyby gravity assist maneuver which will occur on Oct. 9, 2013. The two deep space engine burns were back-to-back successes !
Juno's Current Course and Position
NASA could have spent fuel for thrusters or use power for reaction wheels w/ moving parts. But Juno being a "simple spinner" spacecraft has its advantages. Spinning makes the spacecraft stable, like a gyroscope. Simpler than using reaction wheels, and no moving parts to wear out.
