NASA's official mission status reports and press releases

NASA's Europa Clipper Launches at 12:06 PM EDT on October 14, 2024, to Explore Jupiter's Moon for Life Conditions

Oct 14, 2024, 04:17 PM

NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft successfully launched on October 14, 2024, at 12:06 PM EDT from Kennedy Space Center aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. This mission marks a significant milestone in space exploration, as it aims to investigate Jupiter's moon Europa, which is believed to have an icy ocean beneath its surface. The spacecraft will conduct detailed reconnaissance to determine whether Europa has the necessary conditions to support life. The Europa Clipper is expected to embark on a journey of approximately 1.8 billion miles, making it one of the most ambitious missions undertaken by NASA to date. The mission will provide insights into the potential for life beyond Earth and enhance our understanding of planetary formation and evolution.