NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft is set to perform a gravity assist maneuver around Mars, using the planet’s gravitational pull to slingshot itself towards Jupiter’s moon Europa. The mission launched in October 2024 and aims to reach Europa by April 2030, with scientists hoping to discover signs of life beneath the icy surface.
The journey will be faster than traveling straight to Jupiter, thanks to a circuitous path that includes two gravity assists: one around Mars and another around Earth next year. The spacecraft will travel at speeds of up to 15 miles per second during its approach to Mars, but will slow down slightly to perform the gravity assist.
During its flyby of Mars on March 1, Europa Clipper will pass within 550 miles above the Martian surface, allowing scientists to study the planet’s surface using radar and thermal imaging. The spacecraft is expected to leave Earth’s gravitational forces behind after its next flyby in late 2026, aiming straight for Jupiter’s orbit.
The mission is a crucial step in understanding Europa’s habitability, with experts describing it as one of the best places to search for extraterrestrial life. Scientists will use the spacecraft’s advanced sensors to study the moon’s subsurface ocean and potential biosignatures. The success of this mission has significant implications for the search for life beyond Earth.
Source: https://futurism.com/nasa-europa-clipper-mars-slingshot-jupiter-moon