NASA and SpaceX Secure Falcon Heavy and Europa Clipper Ahead Of Hurricane Milton

NASA and SpaceX are standing down from the Thursday, Oct. 10, launch attempt of the Europa Clipper mission as NASA Kennedy Space Center is in the direct path of major Hurricane Milton. The storm, expected to intensify to a Category 4; with some models suggesting Category 5, is predicted to bring severe weather conditions, including high winds. heavy rain and the risk of tornados, to Florida's Space Coast.

To ensure the safety of both the spacecraft and personnel, launch teams have taken precautionary measures. The Europa Clipper spacecraft has been safely secured inside SpaceX's hangar at Launch Complex 39A. NASA’s Kennedy Space Center also began its hurricane preparedness protocols on Sunday in anticipation of the storm’s arrival.

“The safety of launch team personnel is our highest priority, and all precautions will be taken to protect the Europa Clipper spacecraft,” - Tim Dunn, Senior Launch Director at NASA’s Launch Services Program.

Final Preparations Underway

In preparation for the Europa Clipper’s historic journey to Jupiter’s icy moon Europa, NASA has been making significant progress toward the mission's launch.

On Oct. 4, workers carefully transported the spacecraft from the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility to SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket hangar at Launch Complex 39A. This transfer marks a key milestone in the final stages of pre-launch processing.

Though the launch window for Europa Clipper opens on Oct. 10, NASA and SpaceX have a broader launch period extending until Nov. 6. This allows for flexibility in scheduling the launch around weather disturbances like Hurricane Milton.

Post-Storm Recovery and Launch Rescheduling

Once Hurricane Milton has passed, recovery teams will evaluate the spaceport to ensure it is safe for personnel to return. After the storm, the launch teams will also assess Launch Complex 39a for any damage caused by the hurricane.

“Once we have the ‘all-clear’ followed by facility assessment and any recovery actions, we will determine the next launch opportunity for this NASA flagship mission,” - Tim Dunn, Senior Launch Director at NASA’s Launch Services Program.

The Europa Clipper Mission

The Europa Clipper mission, one of NASA’s most ambitious planetary science missions, aims to investigate Jupiter’s moon Europa, which is believed to harbor a subsurface ocean beneath its icy crust. The spacecraft will study the moon’s surface, composition, and possible conditions for life, potentially revolutionizing our understanding of the habitability of other worlds in our solar system.

As Hurricane Milton approaches, NASA and SpaceX will continue to prioritize the safety of their teams and the spacecraft, awaiting a suitable window to embark on the mission to explore one of the solar system's most intriguing moons.

If you are in Florida, now is the time to prepare, and be sure to listen to local state and country officials for all evacuation notices. Be safe!