NASA's $5.2 Billion Europa Clipper Launching October 14 at 12:06 PM EDT on Falcon Heavy to Explore Jupiter's Moon for Signs of Life

Oct 13, 2024, 09:00 PM

NASA's Europa Clipper mission is set to launch on Monday, October 14, 2024, at 12:06 PM EDT (1606 UTC) from Kennedy Space Center aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. This mission aims to explore Jupiter's moon Europa, which is believed to harbor an ocean beneath its icy crust, potentially containing the ingredients necessary for life. The launch was previously delayed due to Hurricane Milton, but assessments have confirmed that the launch site is now ready. NASA and SpaceX have completed the necessary preparations, and favorable weather conditions are predicted for the launch. The Europa Clipper will embark on a five-and-a-half-year journey to investigate whether Europa can support life.