SpaceX awarded contract to launch NASA mission to icy Jupiter moon

NASA plans to launch the Europa Clipper spacecraft from Kennedy Space Center, with a contract valued at $178 million. The project faced delays due to reliance on NASA's space launch system, which experienced setbacks. The mission aims to survey Europa, capturing high-resolution images, analyzing its composition, and investigating geological activity. It will also assess the icy shell's thickness, search for subsurface lakes, and evaluate the ocean's depth and salinity. Previous studies revealed Europa's glow due to Jupiter's radiation.

What is the value of the contract awarded for the launch services of the Europa Clipper?

• $150 million

• $178 million

• $200 million

• $250 million

Which system was initially planned for the Europa Clipper launch before delays occurred?

• United Launch Alliance's Delta IV

• NASA's own space launch system

• SpaceX's Falcon Heavy

• Blue Origin's New Glenn

What is one of the key objectives of the Europa Clipper mission?

• To land on Europa's surface

• To produce high-resolution images of Europa's surface

• To establish a permanent base on Europa

• To mine Europa for resources

What will the Europa Clipper measure regarding Europa's icy shell?

• Its age

• Its color

• Its thickness

• Its temperature

What phenomenon causes Europa to glow in the dark?

• Meteor impacts

• Solar flares

• Jupiter's radiation

• Volcanic activity