Europa Clipper Interplanetary Mission

[rootone]

I had not heard about this before.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europa_Clipper
Is it still on?

 

[1oldman2]

Is it still on?

At this point it's still a "go", should be an interesting mission. The SLS is a direct shot rather than a gravity assist, thus much shorter cruise period.
https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/11/europa-clippers-launch-dependent-sls-ml-readiness/

 

[rootone]

I have since gathered that they are planning an unusual orbiting scheme with this one.
The orbit is basically an elipitical orbit of Jupiter, but will be set up so the craft keeps on coming back to to Europa.

 

[mfb]

Cassini did the same with Saturn and Titan. It is easier than entering an orbit around the moon and you reduce the radiation dose (Jupiter) or you can visit other moons (Saturn).

 

[mfb]

Approved!
Launch 2023 or 2025.