On a radiant Thursday morning in Pasadena, California, Decrypt and other media representatives were graciously invited by NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to witness the Europa Clipper up close as it readies for its upcoming five-year expedition.
Amidst the cutting-edge technology being loaded onto the spacecraft, it was made clear that no AI chatbots would be permitted on board.
Mission Objectives
Scheduled for launch in October, the Europa Clipper will undertake a series of orbits around Jupiter to investigate its moon, Europa. The primary aim of the Europa Clipper mission is to capture detailed images of Jupiter’s moon and assess its potential habitability. The spacecraft will conduct thorough observations, explore the icy surface and subsurface ocean, search for signs of life, and analyze the moon’s geological composition.
The briefing commenced at the NASA/JPL visitor center, where safety protocols were reviewed, credentials were issued, and instructions were provided.
(Image: Jason Nelson/Decrypt)
On a sunny Thursday morning in Pasadena, California, NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) invited Decrypt and other members of the media to get an up-close view of the Europa Clipper as it prepares for a five-year mission there.
While there is plenty of cutting-edge technology being loaded onto the spacecraft, no AI chatbots may get aboard.
(Image: Jason Nelson/Decrypt)
After donning the necessary attire, a thorough air bath was required to eliminate any residual dust and debris before entering the clean room. Upon entering the facility housing the Europa Clipper, the vast expanse of the area immediately caught my attention.
“We will utilize every inch of this space when assembling all components of the Europa Clipper for the eventual move,” mentioned a member of the quality assurance team to Decrypt, gesturing towards the expansive ceiling.
(Image: Jason Nelson/Decrypt)
Construction Insights
While the sleek appearance of the Europa Clipper initially captivated me, the engineers explained that the spacecraft is designed to withstand rigorous conditions.
(Image: Jason Nelson/Decrypt)
Luis Aguila, the JPL Harness Engineer, shared with Decrypt, “We handle it with care, subjecting it to a vibration test that simulates launch conditions and vigorously shakes the craft.” He emphasized the thorough testing conducted to ensure the spacecraft’s resilience and durability, highlighting the extensive weight of the Europa Clipper at 13,000 pounds.
The deliberate shape and design serve multiple purposes, as explained by Jordan Evans, the project director for Europa Clipper.
“The spacecraft’s design is influenced by various factors, such as fitting within the rocket’s constraints, which has a diameter of only five meters (approximately 16.4 feet), necessitating a compact layout that includes the solar arrays,” elucidated Evans to Decrypt. Additionally, the scientific instruments onboard must have clear views of the moon’s surface during flybys.
To study the moon’s atmosphere effectively, Evans detailed the strategic positioning of certain devices to observe the spacecraft’s flight dynamics. Each instrument’s unique requirements were carefully integrated into the Europa Clipper’s design to prevent interference and optimize performance.
A crucial component of the spacecraft is a three-meter (approximately 9.84 feet) high gain antenna mounted atop the spacecraft, essential for transmitting the collected data back to Earth.
(Image: NASA/JPL)
“This data is relayed through the Deep Space Network, overseen by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory,” Evans explained. With a direct line of sight from one of the Earth stations to the spacecraft, data transmission is facilitated, enabling the seamless transfer of information back to ground control.
AI Integration and Planetary Exploration
Artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly enhanced recent space exploration endeavors. In October, a team of researchers and scientists from Northwestern University leveraged IoT technology to detect and classify supernovae in real-time.
Despite the prevalent use of AI in NASA/JPL projects and space missions, Europa Clipper notably operates without AI assistance.
“When it comes to onboard systems, it functions more akin to a traditional computer,” clarified Tracy Drain, the Flight Systems Engineer. The spacecraft relies on pre-programmed software to execute its operations seamlessly.
Due to the substantial communication delay of 52 minutes each way when accessing Earth’s sky, the spacecraft must be self-sufficient and well-prepared for its mission.
Following the tour of the Europa Clipper and the meticulous removal of protective gear, we were shuttled to the von Kármán auditorium to delve deeper into the mission’s objectives and technological advancements.
Historical Significance
(Bust of Theodore von Kármán in the lobby of the von Kármán auditorium) (Image: Jason Nelson/Decrypt)
Established in 1943, JPL’s roots trace back to the 1930s, originating from the collaborative efforts of a group known as the “Suicide Squad,” comprising California Institute of Technology (Caltech) students, educators, and enthusiasts. This pioneering group included prominent figures such as Frank Malina, Theodore von Kármán, and John Whiteside “Jack” Parsons.
(Suicide Squad Members from left to right: Fred S. Miller, Jack Parsons, Ed Forman, Frank Malina) (Image: NASA/JPL)
In December 1958, JPL was incorporated into the newly formed NASA, solidifying its position within the realm of space exploration.
Following the Europa Clipper tour and the subsequent gear removal process, we embarked on a shuttle bus journey to the von Kármán auditorium, adorned with exhibits and posters showcasing NASA/JPL’s historic missions, including Voyager, Cassini, and the Europa Clipper.
(Image: Jason Nelson/Decrypt)
Scientific Endeavors and Planetary Exploration
The primary objective of the mission is to identify environments conducive to supporting life rather than investigating past events, as emphasized by JPL’s Deputy Project Scientist Bonnie Buratti during discussions with Decrypt. The focus lies on creating conditions where life can thrive and evolve sustainably.
While Europa’s surface appears ice-covered, Buratti highlighted the uncertainty surrounding its safety for potential landings or exploration, unlike the icy world depicted in the 2014 film “Interstellar.”
Buratti elaborated on visible sediment deposits and potential plume formations, indicating a delicate surface concealing underlying crevasses that warrant further exploration.
Notably, Europa exhibits minimal crater formations, suggesting geological activity within the past 50 million years, a relatively short span in geological terms. The presence of ongoing geologic processes underscores the moon’s dynamic nature and potential for scientific discovery.
In the event of discovering signs of life on Europa, Buratti emphasized a proactive approach to further exploration rather than immediate landings, aligning with NASA’s current stance on planetary research.
Closing Remarks
For individuals passionate about space exploration and historical milestones, a visit to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory evokes a sense of profound excitement and wonder. Tracy Drain highlighted the inclusive nature of opportunities at JPL, emphasizing critical thinking as a pivotal skill transcending traditional engineering and scientific roles.
Drain emphasized, “You don’t necessarily need a technical background to contribute to space exploration,” underscoring the diverse array of disciplines—from arts and journalism to computer science and finance—that can lead to fulfilling careers related to space exploration.
Edited by Ryan Ozawa.
