NASA's Juno spacecraft sends first images

NASA's Juno spacecraft, which entered the orbit around Jupiter last week after a five-year journey, has sent back its first pictures.

NASA's Juno spacecraft has sent back its first pictures since entering Jupiter's orbit last week. (AAP)

A NASA spacecraft has sent back the first pictures since arriving at Jupiter.

An image released on Tuesday shows Jupiter surrounded by three of its four largest moons.

The picture was taken on Saturday when the Juno spacecraft was circling three million miles away. Even at that distance, Jupiter's Great Red Spot - a centuries-old atmospheric storm - was visible.

Juno entered orbit around Jupiter last week after a five-year journey. It's on a 20-month mission to map the giant planet's poles, atmosphere and interior.

During the approach, the camera and instruments were powered off as a precaution as Juno braved intense radiation. The instruments were turned back on several days after the arrival.

Scientists have said close-ups of Jupiter won't come until next month when Juno swings back around.