Major Types of Space Probes

Flyby Space Probes

Flyby space probes are sent on trajectories that carry them close to the bodies of interest in the solar system, but they do not stop or go into orbit.
They usually carry instruments to observe the targets as they pass by, providing detailed information on a short timescale.
A famous example is the Voyager probes which visited the gas giants and are now in interstellar space.

orbiter Space Probes

Orbiter probes are designed to go into orbit around a particular body in the solar system, allowing for extended observations over time.
Orbiters can study a range of characteristics including the atmosphere, surface and magnetosphere.
The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and the Cassini mission to Saturn are examples of orbiter probes.

Lander and Rover Space Probes

Lander probes are designed to touch down on the surface of a body.
They often carry equipment to analyse the composition of the surface and atmosphere, and sometimes include drills to access the subsurface.
The Viking landers on Mars and the Philae lander on Comet 67P are examples of lander probes.
Rover probes can move around on the surfaces of planets or moons, exploring larger areas and performing on-the-ground research.
Rovers often have long lifetimes, such as the Mars rovers Spirit, Opportunity, and Curiosity.

Atmospheric Probes

Atmospheric probes are designed to enter and study the atmospheres of planets or gas giants.
They measure things like temperature, pressure, wind speed, and chemistry as they descend.
The Galileo probe into Jupiter’s atmosphere is an example of this type of probe.

Comet and Asteroid Probes

Comet and asteroid probes specifically target these small bodies, to understand their composition and history.
They can be orbiters, flybys, or landers, and sometimes even return samples to Earth.
The Rosetta mission, which deployed the Philae lander on a comet, is a well-known example of this type of probe.

These are the major types of space probes, each designed with a specific purpose in mind to gather information about the solar system and the bodies within it.