From: g_d_pusch_remove_underscores@xnet.com   
   Copy: thelarry_g3@yahoo.com   
      
   "Larry G"  writes:   
      
   > Here's a question I've always wondered about.  How come no space probe   
   > (that I'm aware of) has taken photos inside Jupiter's (or any of the   
   > large planets') atmosphere?   
      
   Limited uplink bandwidth plus limited available light.   
   Both factors imply that It Would Cost Too Much To Fly It.   
      
      
   > Or at least photos from a very low orbit.   
      
   Define "low."   
      
   Also, _too_ low, and atmospheric drag sucks in your Incredibly Expensive   
   Space Probe.   
      
      
   > I think this would be fascinating.   
      
   "Fascinating" doesn't always Pay The Bills.   
      
      
   > Is it because the atmospheric temperature would melt the probe/camera   
   > before it reached the low orbit and/or descent?   
      
   No. It is because of Limited Bandwidth, Limited Light, and Limited Budget.   
      
      
   > Are there any known plans to send a probe that could withstand the   
   > extreme temps (or gravity?) to achieve such a feat?   
      
   No.   
      
   (BTW, "gravity" is hardly an issue; the Jupiter Entry Probe experienced   
   =FAR= higher gee-loads during the atmospheric entry.)   
      
      
   -- Gordon D. Pusch   
      
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