NASA’s Europa Clipper Mated to Payload Adapter, Encapsulated

Technicians encapsulated NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft inside payload fairings on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024, in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The fairings will protect the spacecraft during launch as it begins its journey to explore Jupiter's icy moon, Europa. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky

NASA and SpaceX technicians recently completed several important milestones as they prepare for the upcoming launch of the agency's Europa Clipper spacecraft to explore Jupiter's icy moon Europa.

Technicians encapsulated NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft inside payload fairings on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024, in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA/Ben Smegelsky

First, teams connected the Europa Clipper spacecraft to the payload adapter on Thursday, Sept. 26, inside the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. With Europa Clipper securely attached to the payload adapter, the team then connected the combined assembly to the payload attach fitting on Monday, Sept. 30. These operations will enable the spacecraft to join with the rocket in the coming days.

Next, teams detached various coverings that shielded sensitive parts of the spacecraft during processing. Finally, on Wednesday, Oct. 2, teams encapsulated the spacecraft inside payload fairings, which will protect the spacecraft from aerodynamic pressure and heat during launch. After liftoff, the fairings will separate once the rocket's second stage climbs high enough, approximately 5 minutes into the flight, and the fairings will return to Earth where SpaceX plans to recover them

NASA is targeting Thursday, Oct. 10, for launching Europa Clipper on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy. This will start a years-long journey to Jupiter, where it will help scientists determine if the enigmatic moon has conditions suitable to support life.

To learn more about the Europa Clipper mission, visit:

https://science.nasa.gov/mission/europa-clipper

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