Galileo atmospheric probe encounters Jupiter. The Galileo spacecraft deployed this small atmospheric probe on July 13 1995. The probe will enter Jupiter's atmosphere on 7 December 1995. As it slows rapidly from its 47 kilometres per second impact speed, the probe will deploy a parachute to further slow its descent. Over 75 minutes, the probe will relay measurements of the physical and chemical conditions of Jupiter's atmosphere before finally being crushed by the increasing pressure. The Galileo spacecraft itself (not shown) will enter orbit at the same time to start a two-year exploration of the Jupiter system - the first visit to the giant planet since Voyager 2 in 1979.