Science

Don't Miss the Spectacular Launch of SpaceX's Falcon Heavy Carrying NASA's Europa Clipper on October 10!

2024-10-04

Space enthusiasts, mark your calendars! On October 10, SpaceX is set to launch NASA's groundbreaking Europa Clipper mission, and it's an event you won't want to miss. The launch will take place at 12:31 PM EDT (1631 GMT) from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This mission, valued at $5 billion, aims to explore Jupiter's intriguing moon Europa, which is believed to have a subsurface ocean capable of supporting life.

How to Watch:

You can catch all the action live via Space.com or directly on NASA’s official channels. Make sure to tune in — this will be the 10th launch of the powerful Falcon Heavy rocket, which is known for its impressive payload capacity and stunning liftoff moments.

Prelaunch Events:

Leading up to the big day, NASA has organized several informative sessions to keep the public engaged and excited about the mission:

- October 8: Join NASA for a science briefing at 3:30 PM EDT (1930 GMT), featuring key mission scientists discussing the objectives and methodologies of the Europa Clipper mission. Notable panelists include Gina DiBraccio, Robert Pappalardo, and Cynthia Phillips — don't miss the expert insights!

- October 9: A special “NASA Social” panel will take place at 2:00 PM EDT (1800 GMT), where attendees can ask questions live using the #AskNASA hashtag on social media. This is a unique opportunity to interact with NASA scientists, including Chief Scientist Kate Calvin and Flight Design Analyst Caley Burke.

- October 9: A prelaunch news conference is scheduled for about 3:30 PM EDT (1930 GMT), immediately following the launch readiness review. Key NASA figures, including Launch Director Tim Dunn and Europa Clipper Project Manager Jordan Evans, will provide updates and answer any pressing questions.

- October 9: Keep an eye out for the Europa Clipper rollout, happening at 5:30 PM EDT (2130 GMT), as the spacecraft makes its way to Pad 39A — an exciting visual treat for all space fans.

Launch Day Coverage:

Finally, on launch day, NASA's live coverage kicks off at 11:30 AM EDT (1530 GMT), giving you a front-row seat to this monumental event. Witness firsthand as the Falcon Heavy propels the Europa Clipper towards its destination, set to arrive in Jupiter’s orbit by 2030.

The Europa Clipper mission promises to unravel the mysteries of one of the solar system's most fascinating moons. Will Europa reveal signs of life beneath its icy surface? There's only one way to find out — tune in to watch history in the making!