Ulysses:
Ulysses' primary target was the Sun. But since no rocket engines are powerful enough to boost the spacecraft above the Ecliptic Plane (where most planets and spacecraft orbit the Sun), Ulysses used Jupiter's gravity to hurl it onto the correct trajectory.

During the Jupiter flybys, scientists use Ulysses' instruments to study the giant planet and its influence on the solar system, which is second only to the Sun.

Read More About Ulysses

Visit the Ulysses Website

6 Oct 1990:  Launch (11:47:16 UT) 8 Feb 1991:  Jupiter Gravity Assist 26 Jun 1994 - 5 Nov 1994:  1st South Polar Pass 13 Mar 1995:  1st Ecliptic Crossing 19 Jun 1995 - 29 Sep 1995:  1st North Polar Pass 1 May 1996:  Comet Hyakutake Encounter Status:  Mission Completed Show All Dates for Ulysses		26 Jun 2009:  Ulysses Hears the Siren's Song 23 Sep 2008:  Ulysses Reveals Global Solar Wind Plasma Output at 50-Year Low 12 Jun 2008:  International Mission Studying Sun to Conclude 22 Feb 2008:  International Solar Mission to End Following Stellar Performance 14 Jan 2008:  Ulysses Flyby of the Sun's North Pole More Headlines
		Solar System Bodies: Jupiter Ulysses Multimedia Gallery