NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft performed a gravity assist maneuver at Mars, using the planet's gravity to adjust the spacecraft's trajectory as it continues a 5.5-year journey to Jupiter. Go Europa Clipper! Learn more
Image: This artist’s concept depicts NASA’s Europa Clipper as it flies by Mars, using the planet’s gravitational force to alter the spacecraft’s path on its way to the Jupiter system. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech
Bonus:
Here’s how scientists and engineers on Earth navigate faraway spacecraft using the Deep Space Network, NASA’s international collection of giant radio antennas used to communicate with spacecraft at the Moon and beyond. Learn more
Next-up: on Dec 3, 2026, Europa Clipper will complete a gravity assist from Earth, then will cruise to Jupiter to arrive in April 2030 to search for signs of potential habitability on Jupiter's icy ocean moon Europa. Learn more
Ride along virtually via NASA’s Eyes on the Solar System, a simulated view of the solar system. Learn more
