The #LucyMission will explore asteroids that share an orbit with Jupiter, but the spacecraft won't visit the giant planet itself. However, on Oct. 16 – the very same day that Lucy launches – our #JunoMission will make another of its close passes low over Jupiter's cloud tops. 1/4
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At closest approach, Juno will zoom within just 2,000 miles (about 3,000 kilometers), at speeds of 130,500 mph (210,000 kilometers per hour) relative to the planet! You can follow its current position at solarsystem.nasa.gov using our 3D, real-time solar system simulator. 2/4
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Lucy and Juno have some things in common, like their giant solar panels – a necessity for gathering the dim sunlight at those depths of space. Lucy will edge out Juno's record for the most distant solar-powered spacecraft of all time. 3/4
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Lucy's instruments will study its ancient asteroid targets, and Juno will continue its investigation of the internal structure and composition of Jupiter. Together, these two expeditions will provide scientists with new insights into the story of the solar system's evolution. 4/4
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