New Horizons spacecraft at Jupiter, artwork. New Horizons launched from Earth on 19 January 2006 on a 9-year voyage to Pluto. Just over a year after launch, in early 2007, the spacecraft flew past Jupiter, using its gravity as an assist to increase its speed and change trajectory towards Pluto. The closest approach will take place on 28 February 2007. Here, the spacecraft is passing the Jovian moon Io (left of spacecraft), and its antenna is pointing back towards the Sun and Earth. Cloud bands and storm systems are seen in Jupiter's atmosphere. New Horizons will arrive at Pluto in 2015.