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.

How much is the contract award amount for the launch services of the Europa Clipper?

What challenges has the development of NASA's space launch system faced?

What is the primary objective of the Europa Clipper mission?

What are some of the key mission objectives of the Europa Clipper?

What previous studies have been conducted on Europa, and what did they reveal?