On this day in 2011, Juno began its journey to Jupiter.

Juno’s mission is to investigate the existence of a solid planetary core, map Jupiter's intense magnetic field, measure the amount of water and ammonia in the deep atmosphere, and observe the planet's auroras.

After an almost five-year journey, Juno successfully entered Jupiter’s orbit on July 4, 2016. The spacecraft has since been investigating the planet's origins, interior structure, deep atmosphere and magnetosphere. Learn more about the program.