What was the operational status of the Galileo craft's main camera during the final atmospheric plunge?
Answer
It was not optimally positioned for continuous, high-resolution descent imaging.
The instruments capable of taking photographs, such as the Solid-State Imager, were not configured or designed for successful optical observation during the high-speed atmospheric entry. The probe was deliberately oriented with its main dish antenna and its main camera pointed away from the direction of travel, prioritizing the protection of instruments intended for in situ gas sampling over visual documentation. Furthermore, the conditions of extreme heat and plasma encountered during entry would have instantly blinded any optical instrument, rendering visual imaging impossible even if the camera had been aimed correctly.
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