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by ranger207 587 days ago
Didn't SpaceX launch Europa Clipper to Jupiter a few weeks ago?
2 comments
bandyaboot 587 days ago
They also flung a Tesla Roadster off into a wayward journey around the Sun. Not nearly as impressive I know, but significantly more amusing.
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tim333 587 days ago
Yup. Passed by Mars in Oct 2020 which is definitely outside low earth orbit.
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shirro 587 days ago
Clipper is a massive payload for a planetary science mission as well. SLS was the only other operational US vehicle with the payload capacity.
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njarboe 586 days ago
The Clipper was planned to be launched on the SLS, but due to delays in the SLS program and its massive cost ($2+ billion per launch), it was decided to use the Falcon Heavy to launch it even though the Falcon Heavy is a bit smaller and it will take 5 years instead of 3 to get to Jupiter.
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