NASA’s Europa Clipper mission, a $5 billion venture, will have its launch postponed due to forthcoming hurricane conditions.
Add a splash of NASA to your desktop or phone with scenes of a water world.
The launch window for @EuropaClipper, our mission to Jupiter’s ocean moon, opens on Oct. 10. Dive into the excitement with these brand-new wallpapers: https://t.co/7bnPUWBaTv pic.twitter.com/JeraPa2bGF
— NASA (@NASA) October 4, 2024
The spacecraft was set to take off on October 10 atop a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. However, Hurricane Milton’s approach necessitates a delay.
NASA and SpaceX are standing down from the Oct. 10 launch attempt of the agency’s #EuropaClipper mission due to anticipated hurricane conditions in the area.
The next launch opportunity will be assessed after Hurricane Milton passes.
More: https://t.co/n0P0KPmxMn pic.twitter.com/9ALCNOcmv4
— NASA's Kennedy Space Center (@NASAKennedy) October 6, 2024
NASA and SpaceX are standing down from the Thursday launch attempt of the agency’s Europa Clipper mission due to anticipated hurricane conditions in the area. Hurricane Milton is advancing from the Gulf of Mexico toward Florida’s Space Coast, with high winds and heavy rain expected in regions like Cape Canaveral and Merritt Island. Launch teams have secured the Europa Clipper probe inside SpaceX’s hangar at Kennedy Space Center’s historic Launch Complex 39A.
Hurricane delays Clipper launch plans
NASA’s Kennedy Space Center is also preparing for the hurricane’s impact.
What do #EuropaClipper and Florida have in common? They're both water destinations!
After launching on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy from LC-39A here on the space coast NET Oct. 10, the spacecraft will study Jupiter's moon Europa for habitability conditions. pic.twitter.com/hv6B83eE5p
— NASA's Kennedy Space Center (@NASAKennedy) October 6, 2024
Tim Dunn, senior launch director at NASA’s Launch Services Program, said, “The safety of launch team personnel is our highest priority, and all precautions will be taken to protect the Europa Clipper spacecraft.”
To no one's surprise, NASA is postponing the Europa Clipper launch that had been scheduled for Thursday because of Hurricane Milton.https://t.co/dxu2vjbbeJ
— Jeff Foust (@jeff_foust) October 6, 2024
While the exact new launch date is uncertain, there is time to reschedule within the launch window, which extends through November 6.
Dunn added, “Once we have the ‘all-clear’ followed by facility assessment and any recovery actions, we will determine the next launch opportunity for this NASA flagship mission.”
Once launched, the Europa Clipper spacecraft is expected to reach Jupiter in 2030. The mission aims to study Jupiter’s moon Europa, which is believed to have a vast ocean beneath its icy surface. The probe will use its nine science instruments to investigate the moon’s potential to host life and to identify promising sites for future landings.
This critical mission marks a major step forward in our understanding of the outer solar system and the quest to discover extraterrestrial life.
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