NASA's Europa Clipper mission is scheduled to launch in October 2024, embarking on a 5.5-year journey to Jupiter. Upon arrival in 2030, the spacecraft will enter orbit around the gas giant and conduct 49 flybys of its moon Europa over a four-year mission.
This mission aims to investigate Europa's potential to support life, focusing on its icy crust and subsurface ocean. The spacecraft will carry nine scientific instruments, including imaging systems and radar, to enhance understanding of Europa's geological features.
NASA's Europa Clipper will complement the European Space Agency's JUICE mission, which is set to arrive at Jupiter in 2031 and will also study Europa among other moons. Together, these missions are expected to advance knowledge of the icy moon and its habitability.