Watch live as NASA's next outer solar system mission, Europa Clipper, is built and tested in the Spacecraft Assembly Facility at the agency's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California. [Dec. 1, 2022 update: Europa Clipper’s main propulsion module is currently off camera and will return to view in the next few weeks. More details below.] NASA's Europa Clipper mission will perform dozens of close flybys of Jupiter’s moon Europa, gathering detailed measurements to investigate whether the moon could have conditions suitable for life. You are viewing activities in High Bay 1 at JPL. The aluminum box visible on the right, which is currently lifted with a panel open that reveals electronics inside, is Europa Clipper’s electronics vault. Space near Jupiter is a dangerous mix of different types of radiation, and the vault will shield electronics to reduce the impact of radiation. The circular stand near the center of the room usually holds Europa Clipper’s propulsion module, which will house the propulsion system and electronics, and also serves as the structural backbone of the spacecraft. The propulsion module is currently off camera, while engineers perform work that requires it be in a horizontal position. Standing 10 feet (3 meters) tall and 5 feet (1.5 meters) wide, the module is integrated with electronics, radios, thermal loop tubing, and cabling, in addition to the propulsion system. Additional Europa Clipper assembly operations are taking place in clean rooms at JPL and at partner institutions across the United States. Live moderated chats will take place on this channel every Tuesday from 10:00-10:30 am PT. If you don't see the chat at those times, try refreshing your browser. For more about the mission, visit europa.nasa.gov To learn more about the spacecraft’s assembly, visit europa.nasa.gov/spacecraft/assembly All chats are moderated. Inappropriate language or posts that harass other individuals will be removed. - Use respectful language - Protect your private information - No spam, sexually explicit or discriminatory material - Stay on topic
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