7 Things You Need To Know About NASA's Big Jupiter Mission

4. Why Is It Groundbreaking?

Juno is a thoroughly modern mission.

The little probe set off from Earth about five years ago, and had plenty of the best technology from then thrown at it. This means that there are plenty of "firsts".

The probe will be the first solar-powered spacecraft to operate in Jupiter's orbit as well as the first to orbit one of the outer planets from pole to pole. It has also taken advantage of the latest material technology as the first spacecraft to feature 3D printed titanium parts.

Juno is also rapid, with the capability to travel at 165,000 miles per hour relative to Earth, making it one of the fastest man made objects in our history of making things go fast. What's more, as it nears the Jovian system, Jupiter's gravitational pull will cause it to accelerate even more, necessitating the use of its brakes on the approach to prevent it from simply crashing into the planet before it's good and ready.