NASA is set to launch its Europa Clipper spacecraft Monday atop a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket for its first mission to Jupiter since 2011. The mission is scheduled for 12:06 p.m. ET and weather conditions appear favorable for Europa Clipper to begin its six-year journey Jupiter's icy moon Europa.
When it enters orbit in April 2030, Europa Clipper will begin the task of studying Europa to confirm a subsurface ocean and to investigate potential habitability on the moon.
NASA says that weather conditions are favorable for a Monday launch, but if there's a problem, there are backup opportunities on Tuesday and Wednesday. The vessel must launch by November 6 to keep its schedule for orbit around Jupiter. The mission is estimated by NASA to cost about $2 billion.
The mission joins JUICE, launched last year and Juno, which set out in 2011.
How to watch
The launch, which will take place at Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, will be available on NASA's Spaceflight YouTube page. You can also follow countdown updates on SpaceX's launch page and its X account.