Falcon Heavy launches Europa-Clipper: Marks SpaceX’s 99th Launch Of The Year

Falcon Heavy lifts off with Europa Clipper (SpaceX/NASA)

At 12:06 PM ET on October 14, 2024, Europa Clipper launched aboard SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy, beginning its historic journey to Jupiter. This launch marks SpaceX’s 99th launch of the year. 

Due to mission demands, all three boosters (two side cores plus the center core) powering the launch were expended to maximize performance. The side boosters had previously supported several high-profile missions, including USSF-44, USSF-67, USSF-52, Hughes JUPITER 3, and NASA’s Psyche mission.

Europa Clipper, the largest spacecraft ever made by NASA, spans 100 feet (30 meters) when fully deployed. At T+01:02:38 Falcon Heavy’s second stage successfully deployed the spacecraft.

Europa Clipper after deployment (SpaceX/NASA)

From here, the spacecraft will embark on a 5.5-year journey. However, it won’t follow a direct trajectory. Instead, it will perform gravity assists around Mars in February 2025 and Earth in December 2026 to gain momentum. The spacecraft is expected to arrive at Jupiter in 2030, where it will begin its scientific objectives.

For more information on Europa Clipper, including its objectives, read this article.