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Europa Clipper
Spacecraft
A NASA spacecraft planned to launch in 2024 that will conduct multiple close flybys of Jupiter's moon Europa to study its icy surface, subsurface ocean, and potential for harboring life.
Key Facts
organization | NASA |
orbital regimes | Inner System Outer System |
learn more | Wikipedia |
launched | 2024-10-14 |
launch mass | 6,065 kg |
power | 600 watts |
Mission Timeline
Launched
October 14, 2024 at 16:06 UTC
Mars
Gravity Assist
Europa Clipper will perform a gravity assist maneuver at Mars on February 1, 2025, using the planet's gravitational field to adjust its trajectory toward Jupiter during its interplanetary journey.
Jupiter
Orbiter
Europa Clipper will enter orbit around Jupiter in 2030 to conduct detailed reconnaissance of the icy moon Europa through about 50 close flybys, studying its potential for harboring life beneath its frozen surface.
Ganymede
Flyby
Europa Clipper will perform its first flyby of Ganymede in April 2030, marking the start of its multi-year mission to study Jupiter's largest moon and its interactions with the Jovian system.
Europa
Flyby
Europa Clipper will conduct detailed reconnaissance of Jupiter's icy moon Europa through a series of 45 close flybys, studying its potential for hosting life in its subsurface ocean.
