Galileo's progress

Abstract

Data obtained to date by the Galileo spacecraft launched in October 1989 are discussed. It is noted that in April 1991 the spacecraft's high-gain antenna failed to deploy from its furled position. Since then, communications including return of images of the Gaspra asteroid have been performed through the low-gain antenna. It is considered to be possible to accomplish the majority of orbiter scientific objectives without the high-gain antenna including the return of high resolution images.