Ranking Members Lofgren and Sorensen Celebrate Successful Launch of Europa Clipper
(WASHINGTON, DC) -- Today, the Europa Clipper spacecraft launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Kennedy Space Center. Europa Clipper will travel 1.8 billion miles to Jupiter’s icy moon, Europa. The spacecraft is slated to reach Jupiter in April 2030.
“Constructing a highly capable spacecraft designed to withstand the harsh radiation environment of Jupiter and carry out the first in-depth study of Europa was no easy feat,” said Ranking Members Lofgren and Sorensen. “Congratulations to NASA and the entire Europa Clipper team of scientists, engineers, and technicians at NASA Centers, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Applied Physics Laboratory, contractors, and universities—on a successful launch today.”
The team worked through many challenges along the way, especially in recent months as they investigated a critical transistor issue and dealt with devastating hurricanes in the region.
“We recognize the incredible work, sacrifice, and dedication that went into reaching this milestone," the Members continued. "We look forward to the exciting science that Clipper will conduct in its study of Europa, a moon that possesses one of the most promising environments in the Solar System for potentially habitable conditions beyond the Earth. We wish the Clipper team good luck on the long voyage to the Jupiter system.”
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