* Astronomy

Live coverage on NASA TV
Audio Only

Ed ~ Nasa TV link on this sites menu bar

Todays launch window extends from 15:34 to 16:43 GMT.

Juno probe goes 'back to Jupiter'

Nasa's $1.1bn (£0.7bn) Juno mission will venture where no solar-powered spacecraft has dared go before.
The probe, due to launch from Cape Canaveral on Friday, will cruise beyond Mars to put itself in orbit around the gas giant Jupiter in 2016.
Read more

Juno Spacecraft to Carry Three Figurines to Jupiter Orbit

NASA's Jupiter-bound Juno spacecraft will carry the 1.5-inch likeness of Galileo Galilei, the Roman god Jupiter and his wife Juno to Jupiter when the spacecraft launches this Friday, Aug. 5. The inclusion of the three mini-statues, or figurines, is part of a joint outreach and educational program developed as part of the partnership between NASA and the LEGO Group to inspire children to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
In Greek and Roman mythology, Jupiter drew a veil of clouds around himself to hide his mischief. From Mount Olympus, Juno was able to peer through the clouds and reveal Jupiter's true nature. Juno holds a magnifying glass to signify her search for the truth, while her husband holds a lightning bolt. The third LEGO crew member is Galileo Galilei, who made several important discoveries about Jupiter, including the four largest satellites of Jupiter (named the Galilean moons in his honour). Of course, the miniature Galileo has his telescope with him on the journey.
Read more