NASA has just confirmed details about the next phase of their Europa Clipper mission, which means it’s set to progress to completion of final design, followed by the construction and testing of the entire spacecraft and science payload. Once launched, it will conduct an in-depth exploration of Jupiter’s moon, Europa, and investigate whether this icy moon could harbor conditions suitable for life. Read more for a video and additional information.
This mission will also hone our insights into astrobiology, and to develop this mission in the most cost-effective way, NASA is targeting to have the Europa Clipper spacecraft complete and ready for launch as early as 2023. However, the baseline commitment supports a launch readiness date by 2025.
“We are all excited about the decision that moves the Europa Clipper mission one key step closer to unlocking the mysteries of this ocean world. We are building upon the scientific insights received from the flagship Galileo and Cassini spacecraft and working to advance our understanding of our cosmic origin, and even life elsewhere,” said Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington.
