The NASA Europa Clipper spacecraft, launched on October 14, 2024, has successfully traveled over 20 million kilometers from Earth and is on course to reach Mars in three months.
While its ultimate destination is Jupiter and its moon Europa in 2030, the spacecraft has already completed critical operations. These include the deployment of its solar panels, which span the length of a basketball court, and the extension of its 8.5-meter magnetometer arm.
Initial engineering data indicates that all systems are functioning properly. The spacecraft's magnetometer sensors will measure the magnetic field around Europa to confirm the presence of a subsurface ocean, providing insights into its depth and salinity.
Following the magnetometer deployment, several radar antennas were extended, forming two long structures of 17.6 meters each. The remaining seven instruments will be activated in December and January for status checks, while some will remain protected for approximately three years to prevent solar damage during its journey through the inner solar system.
Once all systems are verified, the mission team will focus on the upcoming Mars flyby on March 1, 2025. During this encounter, the thermal camera will capture images of Mars, serving as a precursor to future observations of Europa.
Another gravity assist is scheduled for December 2026, where the spacecraft will pass by Earth to calibrate its instruments. The primary scientific objectives of Europa Clipper include determining the thickness of Europa's ice crust, its interactions with the underlying ocean, and characterizing its geology, which may provide insights into extraterrestrial life potential.