NASA clears Europa Clipper mission for Oct. 10 despite Jupiter radiation worries
NASA's Europa Clipper mission launches on October 10, 2024, to explore Europa's subsurface ocean and potential for life, conducting nearly 50 flybys from 2031 to 2034 after passing radiation tests.
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NASA's Europa Clipper mission is set for launch on October 10, 2024, after successful tests confirmed the spacecraft's ability to withstand the intense radiation around Jupiter's moon, Europa. The mission aims to explore Europa, which is believed to have a subsurface ocean containing more water than all of Earth's seas combined. Equipped with nine scientific instruments, including cameras and radar, the spacecraft will conduct nearly 50 flybys of Europa between 2031 and 2034 to investigate its ice shell, ocean, and potential for life. Initial concerns about the spacecraft's transistors failing under radiation have been addressed, with recent tests indicating they can support the mission. The next critical milestone is a review on September 9, which will determine if the spacecraft can proceed to final launch preparations. The mission is expected to arrive at Jupiter in 2030.
- NASA's Europa Clipper mission is scheduled for launch on October 10, 2024.
- The spacecraft will study Europa's subsurface ocean and potential for life.
- It will conduct nearly 50 flybys of Europa from 2031 to 2034.
- Recent tests confirmed the spacecraft can withstand Jupiter's radiation.
- A key review on September 9 will assess readiness for final launch preparations.
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