Hurricane Milton forces NASA to delay Europa Clipper launch

NASA has once again been forced to scrub a rocket launch due to a brewing hurricane, this time for its highly anticipated Europa Clipper mission. The uncrewed orbiter was set to launch Thursday on a SpaceX rocket from Florida, marking the beginning of its six-year journey to Jupiter's moon Europa to search for life-supporting conditions.

However, Hurricane Milton, which strengthened to a Category 4 storm on Monday, is roaring toward Florida's western coast, bringing heavy rain and high winds to the east coast where the Kennedy Space Center is located. NASA and SpaceX decided to delay the launch and secure the spacecraft in a hangar at Launch Complex 39A.

“The safety of launch team personnel is our highest priority, and all precautions will be taken to protect the Europa Clipper spacecraft,” said Tim Dunn, senior launch director at NASA’s Launch Services Program.

Launch preparations halted due to Hurricane Milton

Launch teams had prepared the Europa Clipper spacecraft on Friday for integration with the SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. The rocket was supposed to be moved to the launch pad and raised into a vertical position ahead of the launch window opening Thursday, but NASA delayed the mission on Sunday due to Milton.

As of early Monday, Milton strengthened from a Category 3 to a Category 4 storm, with sustained winds of 150 mph. Although it may weaken before landfall, it is still expected to be a powerful hurricane, according to hurricane center specialist Jack Beven.

About the Europa Clipper mission

NASA has long planned to send the Europa Clipper spacecraft to Jupiter's fourth-largest moon, Europa. The celestial body is believed to harbor a vast ocean beneath its icy surface, making it one of the best candidates for extraterrestrial life. Scientists believe the icy crust may contain evidence of organic compounds and energy sources that could support life.

The Europa Clipper, the largest spacecraft NASA has ever developed for a planetary mission, aims to map and scan above and beneath Europa's surface during nearly 50 flybys by 2030 to determine its habitability.

New launch date to be determined

NASA has not yet announced a new target launch date for the Europa Clipper, but the launch window remains open until Nov. 6. After Milton passes, teams will ensure the spaceport is safe for launch crews to return and assess any storm damage to the Kennedy Space Center.

“Once we have the ‘all-clear’ followed by facility assessment and any recovery actions, we will determine the next launch opportunity for this NASA flagship mission,” Dunn said.

Contributing: John Bacon, USA TODAY

Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com