A Collection of Bits and Pieces

In-Depth Entry

Europa Clipper Ready For Launch

Europa Clipper Launch

Goodbye Earth, Hello Jupiter!, 14 October 2024

Today the Europa Clipper successfully launched on its five-and-a-half year mission to Jupiter and its moon, Europa.

Scientists believe that a vast underground ocean exists under the ice of Europa. The Europa Clipper's mission is to go investigate.

I watched the launch, live, and took a lot of screenshots in the process. When I was a kid, I remember watching my dad sitting in a darkened room taking photos of our television set during one of the Apollo missions to the moon. It was a very solemn affair and I knew I needed to keep quiet so he could, figuratively and literally, focus on the task at hand. But in my case I merely had to click the Windows key and the "PtrScr" keys, simultaneously.

What follows is a gallery of some of those screenshots from the launch. Good luck, Europa Clipper! Safe travels, and here's to a successful mission! I'll check back with you in 2030.

Europa Clipper Ready For Launch

Europa Clipper View of Strongback

Closeup of Europa Clipper Fairing

43 Minutes From Launch

Europa Clipper Quick Facts

Europa Clipper Orbit Tracings in Jupiter System

20 Minutes From Launch

05 Minutes From Launch

02 Minutes From Launch

01 Minute From Launch

30 Seconds From Launch

20 Seconds From Launch

Ignition!

Launch!

Europa Clipper Clears the Tower

15 Seconds After Liftoff

Launch Checklist Overlay Added to Bottom of the Screen

Side Core Separation

Center Core Separation

Second Stage Engine Start - Burn 1

Fairing Jettison

Second Stage Engine Cutoff - Burn 1

Second Stage Engine Start - Burn 2

Second State Engine Cutoff - Burn 2

Europa Clipper Prior to Separation From Falcon Heavy

Europa Clipper Spacecraft Separation Animation

Control Room - Aquisition of Signal

Control Room - Confirm Telemetry