The EuropaClipper mission launched from NASA Kennedy aboard Space X's Falcon 9 Heavy rocket on a 1.8 billion mile journey to explore Europa, one of Jupiter's moons. The spacecraft is the largest interplanetary vehicle ever, spanning more than 30 meters and almost the size of a basketball court.

Meanwhile, comet C/2023 A3 colored the photo by entering the frame while the rocket was still on the launch pad. Can you see it?

Jupiter's moon Europa offers strong evidence of an ocean of liquid water beneath its ice-covered surface. This makes Europa one of the most potentially habitable places in the Solar System outside of Earth.

Clipper is a NASAAJPL-developed spacecraft that will make 49 close flybys and collect data to determine whether Europa has conditions favorable for life. The mission is not intended to directly search for life; the main goal is to assess Europa's potential to support life.

Image descriptions:
1. SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket stands vertically with our Europa Clipper spacecraft perched atop the rocket and illuminated by bright light. The outline of a distant comet can be seen on the right.

2. Close-up of the Clipper spacecraft mounted on the payload fairing of a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. On the side of the fairing is the NASA emblem and the Europa Clipper logo. The waxing moon hangs in the blue sky on the right.

3. Clouds of steam rise downward from the SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. Yellow-white flames emanate from the rocket, rising into the light blue sky and obscuring the launch pad. A water tower stands to the right of the frame.

4. Three columns of flame lift the white SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from the launch pad into the day-blue sky. Smoke plumes billow in the lower left corner of the frame, while the launch tower stands tall on the right.

5. A white vapor trail stretches upward from the horizon, rising into the light blue Florida sky. Still water stretches from the horizon to the bottom of the frame, where it is fringed with vegetation.

 

Credits: 1-4. SpaceX; 5. NASA/Ben Smegelsky