AstroGrav Help /Sample Simulations /Space Missions /UlyssesVersion 4.5.2

Ulysses

Introduction

This simulation shows the path followed by the Ulysses spacecraft.

Ulysses was launched on 6th October 1990 and then received a gravity assist from the planet Jupiter on 8th February 1992 that changed its orbit into a very high inclination orbit of the Sun intended to allow observation of the Sun's poles.

The simulation also contains the Sun, together with all known planets.

What you can do with it

The starting date for the simulation is 1st November 1990 - a few weeks after the launch of Ulysses. If you run the simulation forward, you can watch the encounter with Jupiter that was used to put Ulysses into its required orbit of the Sun.

Ideas for further investigation

You can find out more from the following website:

http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/current/ulysses.html