Europa Clipper “GO” for launch
NASA and SpaceX are each “GO” to launch the Europa Clipper spacecraft towards Jupiter’s moon Europa on Monday, Oct. 14, 2024 after days of delays brought on by the impacts of Hurricane Milton on its Florida launch web site.
Europa Clipper, a $5 billion flagship mission to an icy moon of Jupiter, is at the moment scheduled to elevate off at 12:06 p.m. EDT (1606 GMT) from NASA’s Kennedy Area Heart in Florida throughout a tiny 15-second launch window. There’s a 95% likelihood of excellent climate at launch time, Area Drive officers stated. Learn our full information on when and watch Europa Clipper launch.
NASA initially hoped to launch Europa Clipper on Oct. 10, however determined together with SpaceX – which is able to launch the probe on a Falcon Heavy rocket – to push again the launch final week as Hurricane Milton approached. On Saturday (Oct. 12), the area heart reopened for enterprise and the Falcon Heavy carrying the probe returned to the launch pad by Sunday.
Europa Clipper is designed to achieve the Jupiter system in April 2030 and spend 4 years making shut flybys of Europa, one of the promising locations in our photo voltaic system for the seek for life past Earth. Europe’s dominant characteristic is its huge salty ocean contained below a thick ice crust, which generally escapes by way of huge water plumes.
NASA scientists will use Europa Clipper’s devices to higher perceive how liveable Europa could also be.
On this area, we’ll embody the most recent launch and mission updates on Europa Clipper throughout its lengthy voyage to Jupiter. Examine again on Oct. 14 for stay launch protection!
