NASA is preparing to launch the Europa Clipper spacecraft on a historic mission to explore Jupiter’s moon Europa in search of signs that it could sustain life. The launch was initially scheduled for October 10 but was delayed due to Hurricane Milton. The new launch window is set for Monday, with preparations taking place at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The spacecraft will embark on a 1.8 billion-mile journey to Europa, using the gravity of Mars and Earth to gain speed. The Europa Clipper is equipped with radar antennas and solar arrays to scan and map the moon’s surface and subsurface during nearly 50 flybys. Scientists believe that the icy ocean world of Europa could potentially harbor organic compounds and energy sources that could support life forms. The mission is expected to provide valuable insights into the possibilities of life beyond Earth. Live coverage of the launch will be available on NASA’s website and NASA+, as well as through FLORIDA TODAY. The successful completion of this mission could shed light on the potential habitability of Europa and advance our understanding of the potential for life in our solar system.
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