International Due to hurricane "Milton": Jupiter launch of NASA probe postponed

The launch of the NASA space probe "Europa Clipper" to Jupiter's moon Europa from the Cape Canaveral spaceport in the US state of Florida, which was originally planned for Thursday, has been canceled for the time being due to the approaching hurricane "Milton". "The safety of our launch personnel is our highest priority and every precaution is being taken to protect the Europa Clipper spacecraft," said Tim Dunn, the Nasa employee responsible, according to a statement. A new launch date has not yet been set, but launch attempts are possible until November 6.

The "Europa Clipper" probe will make several flybys to investigate whether the conditions on Jupiter's moon Europa could possibly support life. Currently classified as a category 5 hurricane with sustained wind speeds of up to almost 260 kilometers per hour, "Milton" is expected to make landfall on Florida's west coast in the middle of the week - and then, according to forecasts, will probably also pass over Cape Canaveral on the east coast.

SDA