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NASA's Europa Clipper mission represents a major breakthrough in space exploration. En route to Jupiter, this probe aims to unravel the mysteries of one of its most intriguing satellites: Europa. With its scientific instruments deployed, Europa Clipper promises to reveal secrets buried beneath the icy surface of this moon.
Deployment of scientific instruments
The Europa Clipper probe recently began deploying its scientific instruments. This process marks a crucial step in its mission.
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The deployment includes a magnetometer mounted on an 8.5 meter arm. This device will measure Europa's magnetic field. It will confirm the existence of an underground ocean.
In addition to the magnetometer, several radar antennas were deployed. These antennas are part of the REASON instrument, essential for probing the icy surface.
Europa Clipper mission objectives
Europa Clipper must travel 1.8 billion kilometers to reach Jupiter. Instruments on board will analyze Europe's environmental conditions.
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The mission focuses on finding a hidden ocean. Such an ocean could potentially be home to extraterrestrial life forms.
NASA hopes the data collected will help determine the depth and salinity of this ocean beneath the ice.
Interplanetary travel
The probe was launched on October 14, 2023. Since then, it has traveled more than 20 million kilometers.
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Its speed relative to the Sun reaches 35 kilometers per second. Several gravity assist maneuvers are planned to adjust its trajectory.
These maneuvers will include a passage near Mars in 2025 and another around the Earth in 2026.
Technology on board Europa Clipper
Considered the largest probe ever built for a planetary mission, Europa Clipper is equipped for in-depth analyses.
The following table summarizes the main instruments on board and their functions:
Instrument | Function |
---|---|
Magnetometer | Magnetic field measurement to detect the ocean |
Radar REASON | Probing the icy surface and analyzing the internal structure |
High resolution cameras | Detailed imaging of Europa's surface |
Mass spectrometer | Analysis of atmospheric and surface particles |
The next steps of the mission
Europa Clipper is expected to reach Jupiter in 2030. Starting in 2031, the probe will make 49 flybys of Europa.
These flybys will accumulate valuable data on the moon's environment. The essential question remains: can Europe support life?
As NASA continues its investigations, this mission could well change our understanding of life in the universe. What new revelations will these space explorations bring us?
Source : Gadgets360
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