The Europa Clipper mission, launched by NASA to explore Jupiter’s icy moon Europa, was originally scheduled to lift off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida this week. However, the launch has been postponed due to Hurricane Milton. NASA has since announced a new launch target of no earlier than Monday, October 14. Here’s how you can catch the live event.
What to Expect from the Europa Clipper Launch
This groundbreaking mission aims to study Europa, which is believed to harbor a vast ocean of liquid water beneath its thick icy crust. Scientists are eager to understand whether this moon has the potential to support life, as it is considered one of the best candidates for extraterrestrial habitability. The spacecraft is equipped to investigate the ocean’s properties and the existence of organic compounds, the essential building blocks of life.
Originally slated for launch on Thursday, October 10, the mission faced delays due to the severe weather around the Kennedy Space Center. The spacecraft was secured in its hangar at Launch Complex 39A to safeguard it against the high winds and rain associated with the hurricane.
Tim Dunn, senior launch director at NASA’s Launch Services Program, emphasized the importance of safety, stating, “The safety of launch team personnel is our highest priority, and all precautions will be taken to protect the Europa Clipper spacecraft.” He added that they would assess the situation and establish a new launch opportunity once it was safe.
After the storm passed, NASA confirmed that the danger had subsided. Teams are now continuing their evaluations of the spacecraft and supporting systems, with a target launch window set for Monday or later.
How to Watch the Europa Clipper Launch
Nasa will host a livestream of the launch, which you can view through the NASA+ app or on YouTube. The current YouTube stream states a placeholder date of November 6, which is not the actual launch date.
While the specific launch time has yet to be announced, you can follow NASA’s account on X (formerly Twitter) for the latest updates as they become available.
