NASA’s Europa Clipper mission, designed to study Jupiter’s moon Europa, is currently on a six-year journey through the solar system. As part of its trajectory, the spacecraft will make a close pass by Mars before "brushing" past Earth in 2026 to gain speed for its final approach to Jupiter.
A Key Step in the Mission’s Journey
As reported by 20 Minutos, Europa Clipper launched in October 2024 aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission aims to travel nearly 2.9 billion kilometers before reaching Jupiter in April 2030.
Before its encounter with Earth, the spacecraft will pass 884 kilometers from Mars, using the planet’s gravity to adjust its trajectory. This maneuver, set for March 1, 2025, will allow scientists to test Clipper’s radar and thermal imaging instruments by capturing detailed images of the Martian surface.
Earth Flyby to Boost Speed
Following the Mars flyby, Europa Clipper will return for a close approach to Earth in December 2026. This second gravitational assist will act like a slingshot, providing the additional speed needed for the spacecraft to reach the outer solar system. After this critical maneuver, Clipper will have a direct path toward Jupiter’s orbit.
Studying Europa’s Habitability
Europa Clipper is NASA’s largest planetary spacecraft to date, measuring five meters tall and over 30.5 meters wide with its solar panels deployed. The spacecraft is equipped with advanced scientific instruments, including:
Cameras and spectrometers to map Europa’s surface.
A radar system to detect subsurface water.
A magnetometer to analyze the moon’s internal ocean.
Thermal sensors to identify warmer ice formations.
The mission's primary goal is to determine whether Europa, which is believed to have a subsurface ocean beneath its icy crust, has the conditions necessary to support life. With its suite of instruments, Europa Clipper will provide the most detailed study of this intriguing moon, potentially unlocking clues about extraterrestrial habitability.
The upcoming gravity assists at Mars and Earth mark key milestones in this ambitious journey, setting the stage for a groundbreaking exploration of the Jovian system.
