Jupiter space probe Juno launched....with 3 Lego figures on board

Danny Tse

Juno launched....with 3 Lego figures on board

This morning, NASA successfully launched its Juno probe, meant to explore Jupiter, the largest and most massive planet in the solar system. While shooting probes into space is just another day at NASA, this time the probe is carrying some unusual passengers: three Lego minifigures.

All three figures have a history with Jupiter. One of them is made to resemble Jupiter himself, the Roman thunder god that inspired the naming of the planet. Another is Juno, the sister (and wife? ick) of Jupiter, and obviously who the probe is named after. The last is a mini Galileo, the legendary astronomer who first observed Jupiter?s moons. Galileo was also the name of the last probe NASA sent to explore Jupiter, which arrived there in 1995.

Lego made the minifigs especially for the Juno mission. Unlike the usual plastic toys Lego makes, these figures are made of aluminium, making them hardy enough to withstand the extreme conditions of space flight. Besides enduring the intense force of escaping Earth, the minifigs will ride with Juno as it slingshots around planets to achieve fantastic speeds to reach Jupiter by 2016. They?ll also be subject to the extreme cold of outer space.

According to legend, Jupiter created a veil of clouds around himself to hide his mischievous actions. Juno was able to peer them to reveal his true nature. Likewise, the primary mission of the Juno probe is to closely examine Jupiter?s extensive atmosphere, particularly the Great Red Spot, a massive semi-permanent storm on the planet that?s three times the size of Earth.

To show his status as a thunder god, Lego gave its Jupiter minifig a lightning bolt to hold, while Juno has a magnifying glass to signify her search through the truth. Galileo holds a tiny sphere resembling Jupiter (the planet) and, of course, a telescope.

The minifigs reportedly cost $5,000 each to make, and Lego took special care to ensure they wouldn?t interfere with the operation of Juno in any way. They?ll share the same fate as the craft?a fiery death falling through Jupiter?s atmosphere once Juno?s mission is complete. But hopefully their sacrifice will inspire NASA to include more Lego passengers on future missions.

nooshinjohn

Nice... but I question the need for spending 15k on mascots when NASA is cutting jobs as a result of grounding our shuttle fleet.

rooftop59

You really think that NASA paid LEGO to make these? I would be really surprised if they weren't donated for the advertisement.

I will say that this combines two of my childhood fascinations, legos and space travel. Pretty cool idea.

exalted512

rooftop59 wrote: »

You really think that NASA paid LEGO to make these? I would be really surprised if they weren't donated for the advertisement.

x100.

I wonder...5000 years from now and someone / something is actually exploring Jupiter and finds this stuff...what they would think...haha.
-Cody

nooshinjohn

Not really coming down against the idea RT, just that the timing of it is all. I actually for NASA making a dime or two from selling advertising space to private companies, but the text above did not make clear to me who paid for what.

Joe08867

nooshinjohn wrote: »

Nice... but I question the need for spending 15k on mascots when NASA is cutting jobs as a result of grounding our shuttle fleet.

I would have thought the same thing until I realized that the marketing department of Lego probably covered the cost.

From Geek O System:http://www.geekosystem.com/nasa-lego-in-space/

The figurines are made from aluminum instead of the standard LEGO plastic, and cost approximately $5,000 each, which is being paid for by LEGO. The idea to put the figurines on the probe was conceived of by NASA scientists who are big LEGO fans, and approached the company about sending the figures into space. According to LEGO, putting the figurines on the probe is a way to promote children?s interest in the STEM programs.

And sell Lego's IMHO.

rooftop59

nooshinjohn wrote: »

Not really coming down against the idea RT, just that the timing of it is all. I actually for NASA making a dime or two from selling advertising space to private companies, but the text above did not make clear to me who paid for what.

And I agree with you that I am all against frivolous spending by govt or big corporations when they are firing or making cutbacks, but this just seems like a win for everyone. Hopefully more kids interested in science, who will fight to keep NASA going in the future, and of course LEGO will sell a load of toys and hopefully keep some people working.
Paul

Joe08867

I am glad you guys are against frivolous spending, especially since Lego is footing the bill for the little metal dudes.

stuwee

I'd buy a set of the little littlel dudes :cool:, too kewl !!

Didn't they put a brass Lp on the side of Voyager II? With instructions on how to play it? None of that dang digital crap from Earth, Analog Baybee :biggrin:

dorokusai

That's awesome and I would totally love to have those figures.

Danny Tse

Just imagine....hundreds of years from now, when aliens finally visit Earth....they will bring those 3 Lego figures back :biggrin:

comfortablycurt

Way cool!! I've always loved Lego's, and I'd love to have a set of these ones.

Danny Tse wrote: »

Just imagine....hundreds of years from now, when aliens finally visit Earth....they will bring those 3 Lego figures back :biggrin:

You mean when they finally visit Earth again, since they've already been here numerous times.

Ron-P

nooshinjohn wrote: »

Nice... but I question the need for spending 15k on mascots when NASA is cutting jobs as a result of grounding our shuttle fleet.

Look, the Orbiter missions were a waste of time and money. The program had to go, too out dated and old. We need to bring something new to the space table to make it worth employing people for.