NASA's Europa Clipper to launch atop SpaceX Falcon Heavy from Kennedy Space Center today

At 12:06 p.m., a SpaceX Falcon Heavy is set to lift off from Kennedy Space Center's Pad 39A on NASA's anticipated Europa Clipper mission . The launch window is instantaneous, meaning if it does not launch at this time, it will have to be scrubbed for the day.

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The Falcon Heavy rocket in simple terms is three Falcon 9 rockets together (a heavy) to give an extra boost. That extra boost is needed as this spacecraft has a long flight − approximately 480 million miles from Earth. It is headed for Jupiter's icy moon, Europa, which could be hiding a water world under its icy surface.

According to NASA, Europa Clipper’s objectives are to determine the thickness of the moon’s icy surface and its interactions with an ocean below. Basically, this astrobiology mission will look into Europa's composition, seeking the ingredients needed to support life.

Check back for live updates on this page beginning 90 minutes prior to liftoff.

Brooke Edwards is a Space Reporter for Florida Today. Contact her at bedwards@floridatoday.com or on X: @brookeofstars .

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: NASA's Europa Clipper to launch atop SpaceX Falcon Heavy from Kennedy Space Center today