NASA’s Juno mission to orbit Jupiter since July 4, 2016, still has 53 days to complete its mission. This will prevent engine firing, hindrance to the completion of Juno’s science mission. Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington said that Juno is in remarkable shape and the photos it transmit to them are truly astounding. The decision not to force Juno to travel as soon as possible is a good thing, that it will preserve the good shape of Juno.
Juno has completely orbited Jupiter four times. The recent completion was on February 2, 2017. The next will be on March 27. The length of time that Juno orbits Jupiter does not affect the data it is gathering. Because the altitude of Jupiter will be the same at the time of closest approach. In fact, the longer it takes time to observe the planet the more amazing discoveries could possibly emerge.
During each orbit, Juno draws closer to Jupiter. As close as about 2,600 miles, Jupiter’s clouds. Juno probes beneath the obscuring cloud cover and studies Jupiter's auroras. To discover more about the planet’s magnetosphere, atmosphere, structure and origin. The original plan was that for Juno to loop around Jupiter twice in 53-days orbits. After that reducing its orbital period 14 days for the remaining time for the mission. According to NASA, there were irregularity observed about the two helium check valves that are part of the plumbing for the spacecraft's main engine, October.
Juno’s larger 53-day orbit allows additional chance to gather data about Jupiter. Juno will further explore Jupiter’s Jovian magnetosphere. This is the region wherein space dominated by Jupiter's magnetic field. Including the magnetopause, the magnetospheric boundary region and the southern magnetosphere. According to the Science News, a forecast of Jupiter’s south pole is stormy, with a good chance of cyclones. A region that was never seen before.
