NASA's $5B Europa Clipper mission may not be able to handle Jupiter's radiation
NASA's Europa Clipper mission faces transistor radiation issues jeopardizing its Jupiter mission. Testing and mitigation efforts are ongoing to ensure mission success despite the critical problem discovered before liftoff.
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NASA's $5 billion Europa Clipper mission faces a critical issue with its transistors not being as radiation-resistant as expected, potentially jeopardizing the spacecraft's ability to withstand Jupiter's intense radiation. The discovery of this problem just months before the planned liftoff in October raises concerns about the mission's success. The transistors, crucial for controlling electricity flow, are undergoing testing to assess their performance in the high-radiation environment near Jupiter and its moon Europa. The mission team is working to determine the extent of the vulnerability and exploring options to maximize the transistors' longevity. Despite the challenges, NASA is evaluating strategies to address the issue and ensure the mission's progress. The vulnerability of the transistors, manufactured by Infineon Technologies, poses a significant obstacle as the spacecraft's aluminum-zinc electronics vault has already been sealed. Efforts are underway to mitigate the problem and secure the mission's objectives, with a preliminary analysis expected by late July.
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