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.

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.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/gravitational-waves-detect-collision-of-neutron-star-with-a-mysterious-object-in-mass-gap-710785">Also read |&nbsp;Gravitational waves detect collision of neutron star with a mysterious object in 'mass gap'</a>

<h2>Travel duration</h2>

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.

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Life beyond Earth? NASA probe bound for Jupiter's moon

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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.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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.

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. 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. Also read | Gravitational waves detect collision of neutron star with a mysterious object in 'mass gap' 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. Also watch | Gravitas: Life beyond Earth? NASA probe bound for Jupiter's moon 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)

Exploring Jupiter: All about NASA’s Europa Clipper mission

Space is amazing with numerous things still undiscovered. Recently, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) shared footage of two tomatoes that were lost in space last year after they were harvested on the International Space Station (ISS).

Space is amazing with numerous things still undiscovered. Recently, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) shared footage of two tomatoes that were lost in space last year after they were harvested on the International Space Station (ISS). "Despite being nearly a year after the initial disappearance of the tomatoes, the fruit was found in a plastic bag dehydrated and slightly squished," NASA officials wrote in an update on Dec 14. The officials added that other than some discolouration, the tomatoes had no visible microbial or fungal growth. As astronauts are constantly exploring space, an important aspect is how well are they fed. Also read: NASA releases footage of tomatoes lost in space for eight months For years, astronauts have received regular shipments of a wide variety of freeze-dried and prepackaged meals to cover their dietary needs. However, when astronauts venture further into space for months or even years, the vitamins in prepackaged form break down over time, which will affect their health, according to NASA. And in such cases, the provision of fresh fruits and vegetables becomes crucial. So how does NASA address this requirement? Here's a look at the space agency's Veggie project. What is Veggie? According to NASA's website, the Vegetable Production System, also known as Veggie, is a space garden residing on the ISS. "Veggie’s purpose is to help NASA study plant growth in microgravity while adding fresh food to the astronauts’ diet and enhancing happiness and well-being on the orbiting laboratory," the space agency said. The garden made by the project is about the size of a carry-on piece of luggage and typically holds six plants. Each plant grows in a “pillow” filled with a clay-based growth media and fertiliser. Also read: NASA finds energy source and molecule at Saturn's moon Enceladus "The pillows are important to help distribute water, nutrients and air in a healthy balance around the roots. Otherwise, the roots would either drown in water or be engulfed by air because of the way fluids in space tend to form bubbles," as per NASA. Now due to the absence of gravity in space, plants depend on other environmental factors such as light, to orient and guide growth. Inside the space station, LEDs placed above the plants produce a spectrum of light suited for the plants’ growth. "Since plants reflect a lot of green light and use more red and blue wavelengths, the Veggie chamber typically glows magenta pink," the website said. How successful has Veggie been? NASA said that to date, the Veggie project has grown a variety of plants, including three types of lettuce, Chinese cabbage, mizuna mustard, red Russian kale, and zinnia flowers. Some of these plants were harvested and eaten by the crew members, with the remaining samples returned to Earth to be analysed. NASA highlighted that one particular concern was harmful microbes growing on the produce. However, no harmful contamination has been detected so far. The space agency envisions planting more produce in the future, such as tomatoes and peppers. "Foods like berries, certain beans, and other antioxidant-rich foods would have the added benefit of providing some space radiation protection for crew members who eat them," it said. Just like Veggie, there is another growth chamber on the ISS for plant research. The chamber, called the Advanced Plant Habitat (APH), uses LED lights and a porous clay substrate with controlled-release fertiliser to deliver water, nutrients, and oxygen to the plant roots. Also read: NASA preps for PACE mission to study factors that shape our climate But unlike Veggie, it is enclosed and automated with cameras and more than 180 sensors that are in constant interactive contact with a team on the ground at the Kennedy Space Center. When a harvest is ready for research, the crew aboard the ISS collects samples from the plants and sends them back to Earth to be studied so scientists can better understand how space affected their growth and development. Cultivating peppers in space NASA further said that its Plant Habitat-04 (PH-04) experiment cultivated Hatch Chile peppers aboard the ISS. As per the experiment, the astronauts would eat some of the peppers and send the rest back to Earth for analysis. This plant experiment will be one of the most complex to date on the station because of the long germination and growing times, according to the space agency. The Hatch Chile pepper is considered a mild heat pepper, with a rating of 2,000-4,000 Scoville Heat Units. The rating can vary based on growing methods and environmental conditions. Now why should peppers be cultivated in space? NASA has said that peppers contain several key nutrients and are an excellent source of vitamin C. The plants are also robust with a good chance of growing successfully in microgravity. "They are easy to handle in microgravity and are a pick-and-eat crop that does not require cooking or complex processing. The fruit also has low microbial levels, so they are safe for astronauts to consume," NASA added. China growing vegetables aboard Tiangong space station China is also preparing itself for deep-space exploration by growing vegetables aboard the Tiangong space station. Shenzhou 16 astronauts, mission commander Jing Haipeng and rookies Zhu Yangzhu and Gui Haichao cultivated veggies using two sets of specialised equipment. Four batches of lettuce have already been produced, while under the second operation, cherry tomatoes and green onions are being grown.

Explained | Growing vegetables in space is a big deal, and the lost tomatoes are proof

NASA and high-tech entrepreneur Elon Musk`s rocket company SpaceX announced on Friday a 24-hour weather delay of their planned launch of four astronauts into orbit for NASA`s first full-fledged human mission using a privately owned spacecraft.

The liftoff time slipped from Saturday to Sunday evening due to forecasts of gusty, onshore winds over Florida - remnants of Tropical Storm Eta - that would have made a return landing for the Falcon 9 rocket`s reusable booster stage difficult, NASA officials said.

SpaceX`s newly designed Crew Dragon capsule, dubbed "Resilience" by its crew, was rescheduled for launch atop the Falcon 9 at 7:27 p.m. Eastern time on Sunday (0027 GMT on Monday) from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/another-big-leap-spacex-set-to-launch-first-fully-crewed-iss-mission-342288">'Another big leap': SpaceX set to launch first fully-crewed ISS mission</a>

The crew for the flight to the International Space Station includes three American astronauts - Victor Glover, Shannon Walker and the mission commander, Mike Hopkins, a U.S. Air Force colonel who is to be sworn into the fledgling U.S. Space Force once aboard the orbiting laboratory.

The fourth crew member is Japanese astronaut Soichi Noguchi, making his third trip to orbit after flying on the U.S. space shuttle in 2005 and a Russian Soyuz spacecraft in 2009.

The journey to the space station - lengthened from about eight hours to a little over a day by the new launch time - is considered SpaceX’s first "operational" mission for the Crew Dragon.

A so-called test flight of the vehicle to and from the space station with two crewmen aboard the Dragon in August marked the first space flight of NASA astronauts launched from U.S. soil in nine years, following the end of the shuttle program.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/spacexs-envisioned-machinery-will-not-only-take-us-to-mars-but-reduce-travel-time-on-earth-tremendously-306615">SpaceX's envisioned machinery will not only take us to Mars, but reduce travel time on Earth tremendously!</a>

NASA officials only just signed off on Crew Dragon’s final design earlier this week, capping a nearly 10-year development phase for SpaceX under the space agency’s public-private crew program.

The advent of the Falcon 9 and Crew Dragon represents a new era of commercially developed space vehicles - owned and operated by a private entity rather than NASA - being used to carry Americans into orbit.

"The history being made this time is we’re launching what we call an operational flight to the International Space Station," NASA chief Jim Bridenstine said at a press conference at Kennedy Space Center on Friday.

Musk, the billionaire Silicon Valley titan who also is chief executive of electric carmarker and battery manufacturer Tesla Inc , usually attends high-profile SpaceX missions in person. But his presence for the launch was thrown into question on Thursday after he said he had taken a series of four coronavirus diagnostic tests, with two coming back positive and two negative.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spacex-launches-third-batch-of-mini-satellites-into-orbit-272623">SpaceX launches third batch of mini-satellites into orbit</a>

Asked if Musk would be in the launch control room for liftoff, Bridenstine said agency policy required employees to quarantine and self-isolate after testing positive for the disease, "so we anticipate that that will be taking place."

Whether Musk came into contact with the astronauts was unclear but unlikely since the crew has been in routine quarantine for weeks prior to the flight.

NASA contracted SpaceX and Boeing in 2014 to develop competing space capsules aimed at replacing the shuttle program that ended in 2011 and weaning the United States off dependence on Russian rockets to send U.S. astronauts to space.

Boeing’s first crewed test mission with its Starliner capsule is planned for late next year.

NASA and high-tech entrepreneur Elon Musk`s rocket company SpaceX announced on Friday a 24-hour weather delay of their planned launch of four astronauts into orbit for NASA`s first full-fledged human mission using a privately owned spacecraft.

NASA and high-tech entrepreneur Elon Musk`s rocket company SpaceX announced on Friday a 24-hour weather delay of their planned launch of four astronauts into orbit for NASA`s first full-fledged human mission using a privately owned spacecraft. The liftoff time slipped from Saturday to Sunday evening due to forecasts of gusty, onshore winds over Florida - remnants of Tropical Storm Eta - that would have made a return landing for the Falcon 9 rocket`s reusable booster stage difficult, NASA officials said. SpaceX`s newly designed Crew Dragon capsule, dubbed "Resilience" by its crew, was rescheduled for launch atop the Falcon 9 at 7:27 p.m. Eastern time on Sunday (0027 GMT on Monday) from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral. Also read| 'Another big leap': SpaceX set to launch first fully-crewed ISS mission The crew for the flight to the International Space Station includes three American astronauts - Victor Glover, Shannon Walker and the mission commander, Mike Hopkins, a U.S. Air Force colonel who is to be sworn into the fledgling U.S. Space Force once aboard the orbiting laboratory. The fourth crew member is Japanese astronaut Soichi Noguchi, making his third trip to orbit after flying on the U.S. space shuttle in 2005 and a Russian Soyuz spacecraft in 2009. The journey to the space station - lengthened from about eight hours to a little over a day by the new launch time - is considered SpaceX’s first "operational" mission for the Crew Dragon. A so-called test flight of the vehicle to and from the space station with two crewmen aboard the Dragon in August marked the first space flight of NASA astronauts launched from U.S. soil in nine years, following the end of the shuttle program. Also read| SpaceX's envisioned machinery will not only take us to Mars, but reduce travel time on Earth tremendously! NASA officials only just signed off on Crew Dragon’s final design earlier this week, capping a nearly 10-year development phase for SpaceX under the space agency’s public-private crew program. The advent of the Falcon 9 and Crew Dragon represents a new era of commercially developed space vehicles - owned and operated by a private entity rather than NASA - being used to carry Americans into orbit. "The history being made this time is we’re launching what we call an operational flight to the International Space Station," NASA chief Jim Bridenstine said at a press conference at Kennedy Space Center on Friday. Musk, the billionaire Silicon Valley titan who also is chief executive of electric carmarker and battery manufacturer Tesla Inc , usually attends high-profile SpaceX missions in person. But his presence for the launch was thrown into question on Thursday after he said he had taken a series of four coronavirus diagnostic tests, with two coming back positive and two negative. Also read| SpaceX launches third batch of mini-satellites into orbit Asked if Musk would be in the launch control room for liftoff, Bridenstine said agency policy required employees to quarantine and self-isolate after testing positive for the disease, "so we anticipate that that will be taking place." Whether Musk came into contact with the astronauts was unclear but unlikely since the crew has been in routine quarantine for weeks prior to the flight. NASA contracted SpaceX and Boeing in 2014 to develop competing space capsules aimed at replacing the shuttle program that ended in 2011 and weaning the United States off dependence on Russian rockets to send U.S. astronauts to space. Boeing’s first crewed test mission with its Starliner capsule is planned for late next year.

SpaceX launch of crew on first 'operational' mission delayed by weather

The US military&#39;s experimental X-37B space plane landed on Sunday at NASA&rsquo;s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, completing a classified mission that lasted nearly two years, the Air Force said.

The unmanned X-37B, which resembles a miniature space shuttle, touched down at 7:47 a.m. EDT (1147 GMT) on a runway formerly used for landings of the now-mothballed space shuttles, the Air Force said in an email.

The Boeing-built space plane blasted off in May 2015 from nearby Cape Canaveral Air Force Station aboard an Atlas 5 rocket built by United Launch Alliance, a partnership between Lockheed Martin Corp and Boeing Co.&nbsp;

The X-37B, one of two in the Air Force fleet, conducted unspecified experiments for more than 700 days while in orbit.

It was the fourth and lengthiest mission so far for the secretive program, managed by the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office.

The orbiters &quot;perform risk reduction, experimentation and concept-of-operations development for reusable space vehicle technologies,&quot; the Air Force has said without providing details. The cost of the program is also classified.

The Secure World Foundation, a nonprofit group promoting the peaceful exploration of space, says the secrecy surrounding the X-37B suggests the presence of intelligence-related hardware being tested or evaluated aboard the craft.

The vehicles are 29 feet (9 meters) long and have a wingspan of 15 feet, making them about one quarter of the size of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration&rsquo;s now-retired space shuttles.

The X-37B, also known as Orbital Test Vehicle, or OTV, first flew in April 2010 and returned after eight months. A second mission launched in March 2011 and lasted 15 months, while a third took flight in December 2012 and returned after 22 months.

Sunday&rsquo;s landing was the X-37B&#39;s first in Florida. The three previous landings took place at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

The Air Force relocated the program in 2014, taking over two of NASA&rsquo;s former shuttle-processing hangars.

The Air Force intends to launch the fifth X-37B mission from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, located just south of the Kennedy Space Center, later this year.&nbsp;

(Reuters)

The X-37B, one of two in the Air Force fleet, conducted unspecified experiments for more than 700 days while in orbit.

The US military's experimental X-37B space plane landed on Sunday at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, completing a classified mission that lasted nearly two years, the Air Force said. The unmanned X-37B, which resembles a miniature space shuttle, touched down at 7:47 a.m. EDT (1147 GMT) on a runway formerly used for landings of the now-mothballed space shuttles, the Air Force said in an email. The Boeing-built space plane blasted off in May 2015 from nearby Cape Canaveral Air Force Station aboard an Atlas 5 rocket built by United Launch Alliance, a partnership between Lockheed Martin Corp and Boeing Co. The X-37B, one of two in the Air Force fleet, conducted unspecified experiments for more than 700 days while in orbit. It was the fourth and lengthiest mission so far for the secretive program, managed by the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office. The orbiters "perform risk reduction, experimentation and concept-of-operations development for reusable space vehicle technologies," the Air Force has said without providing details. The cost of the program is also classified. The Secure World Foundation, a nonprofit group promoting the peaceful exploration of space, says the secrecy surrounding the X-37B suggests the presence of intelligence-related hardware being tested or evaluated aboard the craft. The vehicles are 29 feet (9 meters) long and have a wingspan of 15 feet, making them about one quarter of the size of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s now-retired space shuttles. The X-37B, also known as Orbital Test Vehicle, or OTV, first flew in April 2010 and returned after eight months. A second mission launched in March 2011 and lasted 15 months, while a third took flight in December 2012 and returned after 22 months. Sunday’s landing was the X-37B's first in Florida. The three previous landings took place at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The Air Force relocated the program in 2014, taking over two of NASA’s former shuttle-processing hangars. The Air Force intends to launch the fifth X-37B mission from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, located just south of the Kennedy Space Center, later this year. (Reuters)

Unmanned US Air Force space plane lands after secret mission