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 website.
Europa Clipper, a $5 billion flagship mission to an icy moon of Jupiter, is at present scheduled to raise off at 12:06 p.m. EDT (1606 GMT) from NASA’s Kennedy Area Middle 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 easy methods to 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 house middle 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 typically escapes via huge water plumes.
NASA scientists will use Europa Clipper’s devices to raised perceive how liveable Europa could also be.
On this house, we’ll embody the newest launch and mission updates on Europa Clipper throughout its lengthy voyage to Jupiter. Examine again on Oct. 14 for reside launch protection!
