NASA’s Juno probe carried three Lego figures into orbit around Jupiter
Iconic toys boldly go where no man has been before as part of historic space mission
These three Lego figures have taken one giant leap for mankind by becoming the first toys to go into orbit around planet Jupiter.
The 1.5inch characters are representations of the 17th century Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei as well as the Roman god Jupiter and his wife Juno.
They are made from aluminium, rather than plastic, to help them survive the rough conditions of space.
The trio arrived at their new home this morning aboard the Juno space probe.
This brave trio are actually on a suicide mission, because the Juno probe is due to meet a fiery end when it smashes into Jupiter.
NASA is keen to make sure it is totally destroyed in the giant planet's atmosphere, to avoid contamination of Jupiter's moons.
Europe, one of its satellites, is thought to be hiding an ocean beneath its icy shell, which could have the right conditions to support life.
Why NASA chose the three Lego figures
"In Greek and Roman mythology, Jupiter drew a veil of clouds around himself to hide his mischief. From Mount Olympus, Juno was able to peer through the clouds and reveal Jupiter's true nature. Juno holds a magnifying glass to signify her search for the truth, while her husband holds a lightning bolt.
"The third LEGO crew member is Galileo Galilei, who made several important discoveries about Jupiter, including the four largest satellites of Jupiter (named the Galilean moons in his honor). Of course, the miniature Galileo has his telescope with him on the journey."
Lego wrote: "Juno holds a magnifying glass to signify her search for the truth, while her husband holds a lightning bolt. The third LEGO crew member is Galileo Galilei, who made several important discoveries about Jupiter.
"He used a telescope to confirm the phases of Venus and discovered the four largest satellites of Jupiter (named the Galilean moons in his honour). Of course, the minifigure Galileo has his telescope with him on the journey."
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NASA's Juno space probe entered Jupiter's orbit after a 1.8BILLION-MILE journey lasting five years, the space agency announced this morning.
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