NASA is finalizing the final details for the launch of the Europa Clipper spacecraft, which will travel to Europa, from Jupiter, later this year.
It is believed that Europa (the moon of Jupiter) has a crust of ice on the surface and water in its more liquid form below. This makes us think that there may be life not inside this rocky body, and it is precisely what this missão from the North American space agency is going to certify.
Following historic tradition POT from sending inspirational messages for the space, to an agency with special plans for Europa Clipper.
Last June, we reported the first report on the launch of this miss, where the agency told us that the ship will carry a poem by writer Ada Limón, together with a silicon microchip engraved with more than 2.6 million names sent public hair.
Now, at the same time POT informs in an official statement that these messages contain an additional feature. A triangular metal plaque will be sent to the spacecraft that will honor that connection with Earth in several ways.
It's a golden album with sound wave graphics
Metal tantalum blade, approximately 7 by 11 inches (18 by 28 centimeters), the plate has graphic elements on both sides, as stated above. NASA not communicated.
The panel turned outside presents art that highlights the connection between Earth and Europe. Linguists collect recordings of the word “water” in 103 languages, from language families around the world. The audio files are converted into waveforms (visual representations of sound waves) and recorded on the plate. The waveforms radiate from a symbol that represents the American sign language for “water.”
“The content and design of the Europa Clipper vault plaque is full of meaning. The plaque combines better than humanity to offer the entire universe: science, technology, education, art and mathematics. A message of connection through water “, essential for all forms of life as we know it, perfectly illustrates the link between Earth and this mysterious ocean world that we intend to explore,” said Lori Glaze, director of the Planetary Sciences Division at NASA headquarters in Washington.
Europa Clipper will be launched in October 2024 and is expected to land on Jupiter in 2030.