David Atkinson Biography and Timeline

Galileo Atmospheric Probe Release

Galileo releases its atmospheric probe for a five-month free flight toward Jupiter.

Role range: 1948-

Galileo Probe Direct Measurements

The Galileo atmospheric probe begins direct scientific measurements after deploying its parachute in Jupiter's atmosphere.

Galileo Probe Atmospheric Composition

Probe data show Jupiter's atmospheric abundances differ in important ways from simple solar-composition expectations.

Role range: 1948-

Galileo Probe Entry

The Galileo atmospheric probe enters Jupiter and transmits direct measurements during its descent.

Role range: 1948-

Jupiter Probe 58-Minute Science Return

The atmospheric probe returns data for about fifty-eight minutes before extreme pressure and temperature end its transmission.

Jupiter Probe Helium Measurement

Galileo probe measurements show Jupiter's helium abundance is broadly comparable with expectations from solar composition.

Jupiter Probe Lightning Detection

Probe instruments detect lightning-related signals while descending through Jupiter's atmosphere.

Jupiter Probe Pressure Profile

The Galileo probe directly measures increasing atmospheric pressure during its descent through Jupiter.

Jupiter Probe Temperature Profile

Probe instruments measure how atmospheric temperature changes as the Galileo probe descends into Jupiter.

Jupiter Probe Water Scarcity

The Galileo probe enters an unusually dry atmospheric region and measures less water than many pre-mission models expected.

Jupiter Probe Wind Measurements

The Galileo probe measures unexpectedly strong winds continuing deep below Jupiter's visible cloud tops.