Exploring Jupiter: All about NASA’s Europa Clipper mission

Jupiter, the solar system's largest planet, hasn't received as much attention from astronomers as Mars. The reason is clear: Mars is viewed as the prime candidate for human colonisation. While Jupiter isn't on that list, though its moon Europa might be in the future.

However, because Jupiter is crucial for the entire solar system, there are plans, like the Europa Clipper mission, to study it more extensively.

This will help answer questions about its role and composition. It's essential to remember that Jupiter is often seen as a failed star. If it had gathered more material, it might have become one. Also, Jupiter has numerous moons, including Europa, which are gaining importance.

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However, NASA has now announced its plans for Jupiter. The Europa Clipper mission, which began in 2013 and was officially confirmed in 2019, will soon head towards the planet.

Travel duration

The Europa Clipper's trip to Jupiter is anticipated to last approximately six years. Prior to that, NASA will arrange for it to conduct a flyby of Mars.

The spacecraft is projected to arrive at Jupiter in 2030. Besides orbiting Jupiter, it will conduct flybys of Europa, coming as close as 16 miles (25 kilometres) from the moon's surface.

This will facilitate data collection using various scientific instruments. NASA aims to identify potential regions that could sustain life.

The mission aims to uncover mysteries about Europa's ocean beneath its icy shell and map its surface composition. It also seeks to solve the mystery of suspected water vapour plumes venting from the moon.

NASA stated that Europa was one of the most promising potentially habitable environments in our solar system. However, it also pointed out that the Europa Clipper was not a life-detection mission and that it would only look for places below the surface that could support life.

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In a few months, the spacecraft will reach the Kennedy Space Center, where it will undergo preparations for its launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. This process will involve attaching its massive solar arrays and ensuring that all components are securely fitted inside the capsule atop the rocket.

The main objectives of the Europa Clipper mission include determining the thickness of Europa's icy shell and its interactions with the subsurface ocean, investigating the moon's composition, and characterising its geology.

(With inputs from agencies)