Europa Clipper Mission Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary objective of the Europa Clipper mission?

To determine the habitability potential of Europa's subsurface ocean. (correct)
To analyze the composition of Jupiter's atmospheric layers.
To map the surface topology of Jupiter's moon Ganymede.
To directly search for extraterrestrial life on Europa.

Approximately how many miles will the Europa Clipper travel to reach Jupiter's orbit?

770 million miles
480 million miles
2.8 billion miles
1.8 billion miles (correct)

What is the purpose of the 'gravity assist maneuvers' during the Europa Clipper's journey?

To collect samples from the Martian atmosphere for analysis.
To calibrate the scientific instruments before reaching Jupiter.
To reduce the spacecraft's speed when approaching Europa.
To boost the spacecraft's velocity by using the gravity of other planets. (correct)

Which of the following is NOT explicitly mentioned as a layer of Europa's interior?

Solid Iron core (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided text, what will happen to the Europa Clipper spacecraft at the end of its mission?

It will intentionally crash into Jupiter's moon Ganymede. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason Europa is considered a potential location for extraterrestrial life?

It is believed to have a subsurface ocean of liquid water, a potential source of energy, and the necessary chemical elements. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary energy source that could be keeping Europa's subterranean ocean in a liquid state?

Geothermal activity from tidal heating due to Jupiter's gravitational interaction. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Approximately how long after its launch did the Europa Clipper spacecraft successfully enter orbit?

About 1 hour and 10 minutes after launch. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the volume of water in Europa's ocean compare to that of Earth's oceans?

Europa's ocean may contain twice as much water as Earth's oceans. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What did NASA Administrator Bill Nelson emphasize in his statement following the Europa Clipper's successful launch?

The initiation of the first journey to an ocean world beyond Earth. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Why is Europa a candidate for life?

Europa is a moon of Jupiter known for potentially harboring life due to its subsurface ocean, energy source, and essential elements.

What is special about Europa's ocean?

Europa's subsurface ocean is believed to be larger than all of Earth's oceans combined, making it a prime target for the search for extraterrestrial life.

How does Europa's ocean stay liquid?

Jupiter's gravitational pull creates tidal forces that constantly stretch and squeeze Europa's interior, producing internal heat that keeps the ocean liquid.

What is the Europa Clipper mission?

The Europa Clipper mission is NASA's ambitious project to explore Jupiter's moon Europa and investigate its potential to support life.