NASA has given the green light for the upcoming launch to Jupiter's moon Europa, following a thorough review of the spacecraft's ability to withstand the intense radiation in that region. The Europa Clipper spacecraft is set to embark on a crucial mission to investigate whether the suspected ocean beneath Europa's icy crust could support life.
Concerns regarding the reliability of the transistors on the spacecraft emerged earlier this year, prompting NASA to conduct extensive tests to ensure the electronic components could endure the rigors of the $5 billion mission. The spacecraft is scheduled to lift off on October 10 aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, with a tight launch window of three weeks before a planetary alignment hiatus.
Project manager confirmed that the transistors, spread throughout the spacecraft, are expected to degrade during the 49 flybys of Europa due to radiation exposure. However, recovery is anticipated during the three-week intervals between encounters. Teams from various labs nationwide conducted round-the-clock testing over the past four months to reach this conclusion.
The mission, which will take six years to reach Jupiter, will involve the Europa Clipper orbiting the gas giant every three weeks. The spacecraft is equipped with advanced instruments, including ice-penetrating radar, to conduct detailed mapping of Europa during dozens of planned flybys as close as 16 miles.
Europa Clipper, spanning over 100 feet with solar panels unfurled, is NASA's largest spacecraft dedicated to exploring another planet. The project team expressed high confidence in the mission's success and readiness for the journey to Jupiter.
