Europa Clipper
Launching soon on a mission to explore Jupiter's ocean world.
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Special Note: NASA and SpaceX are standing down from the October 10 launch attempt of Europa Clipper due to Hurricane Milton. A new launch date will be set after the storm passes.
NASA, SpaceX Secure Europa Clipper Ahead of Hurricane
NASA and SpaceX are standing down from the Oct. 10, launch attempt due to anticipated hurricane conditions.
Hurricane Milton is expected to move from the Gulf of Mexico across the Florida Peninsula to the Space Coast. High winds and heavy rain are expected at the Kennedy Space Center launch site. Launch teams have secured Europa Clipper in SpaceX’s hangar at Launch Complex 39A. Once the storm passes, NASA will determine the next launch opportunity. Europa Clipper has launch windows until Nov. 6.
Read Our BlogWhat Will Europa Clipper Do?
Europa Clipper will try to determine if Jupiter's icy moon Europa currently has habitable conditions.
Europa Clipper will travel 1.8 billion miles (2.9 billion km) to reach Jupiter in April 2030. The spacecraft will orbit Jupiter, and conduct 49 close flybys of Europa. On each orbit, the spacecraft will spend less than a day in the dangerous radiation zone near Europa before zipping back out. Two to three weeks later, it will repeat the process. The spacecraft carries nine science instruments, and a gravity experiment that uses the telecommunications system. All science instruments will operate simultaneously on every pass.
Read MoreMeet the Europa Clipper Spacecraft
Europa Clipper is a robotic solar-powered spacecraft built to conduct the first detailed investigations of Jupiter's icy moon Europa.
With its solar arrays deployed, Europa Clipper spans more than 100 feet (about 30 meters) – about the length of a basketball court. The main body of the spacecraft consists of its avionics vault, radiofrequency module, and propulsion module.
Read MoreWhy Go to Europa?
The search for life beyond Earth is one of NASA’s primary objectives.
If humans are to truly understand our place in the universe, we must learn whether our planet is the only place where life exists. So the search is on! There is strong evidence Jupiter's moon Europa has a saltwater ocean that may be one of the best places to look for environments where life could exist beyond Earth.
Read MoreLaunch Party
Get ready to experience a once-in-a-lifetime event as NASA's Europa Clipper mission takes flight! This historic mission will explore Jupiter’s icy moon, Europa, and you’re invited to host your very own watch party to share the excitement with friends, family, and fellow space enthusiasts. We’ve got everything you need to make your launch celebration out of this world.
Learn More#RunwayToJupiter Style Challenge
Express your space style! Show off your outfits, makeup looks, nail art, and other creative expressions inspired by Jupiter's swirls, Europa's icy glam, and the exploration of the planets. Share a picture or video of your custom look with the hashtag #RunwayToJupiter for a chance to be featured on NASA’s website and social media channels.
How to ParticipateBe Our Virtual Guest
Virtual guests will receive curated mission resources, stay informed with the latest updates, and receive a commemorative stamp for their virtual guest passport after liftoff — all delivered straight to their inbox!
Sign UpCalling All Kids: Explore Europa Through Art
Join the NASA Space Place art challenge and imagine what's beneath Europa’s icy surface. Submit artwork by Oct. 31, 2024, for a chance to be featured by NASA!
Join the Space Place Art ChallengeAt the Launch Site
Europa Clipper currently is at Kennedy Space Center in Florida awaiting launch. Check out the images from KSC.
See the KSC Images