NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft is offering a unique opportunity for the public to be a part of an interplanetary mission. Through the “Message in a Bottle” campaign, individuals can have their names stenciled onto a microchip that will be carried on the spacecraft, heading towards Jupiter’s moon Europa.
To join this exciting endeavor, participants must submit their names before the deadline of 11:59 p.m. EST on December 31, 2023. Currently, approximately 700,000 names have been submitted and counting, as space enthusiasts seize the chance to make their mark on this historic mission.
Technicians at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory will employ an electron beam to meticulously etch these names onto a dime-size silicon microchip. Alongside these names, a metal plate engraved with a powerful poem by U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón will be attached. Together, these materials will serve as a “message in a bottle,” carrying the hopes and dreams of those who have participated.
The Europa Clipper spacecraft is scheduled to make approximately 50 close flybys of Europa’s ocean world. During these flybys, the spacecraft will collect invaluable data about Europa’s subsurface ocean, icy crust, and atmosphere. Scientists hope that this information will provide insight into the moon’s potential for supporting life.
After the assembly process is complete, the Europa Clipper is set for launch in October 2024. This ambitious mission aims not only to gather scientific data but also to inspire people worldwide. Similar to the famous time capsule placed aboard the Voyager spacecraft in 1977, the “Message in a Bottle” campaign aims to ignite curiosity, wonder, and a sense of unity among individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Participants in this campaign can sign up, read the thought-provoking poem by Ada Limón, and even download a customizable souvenir illustration. To further engage with this exciting project, participants are encouraged to share their experiences on social media platforms using the hashtag #SendYourName.
As NASA opens the doors of space exploration to millions of people, the “Message in a Bottle” campaign on the Europa Clipper spacecraft beckons individuals worldwide to participate in this unprecedented journey. By sending their names to Europa, participants can leave an indelible mark on a mission that seeks to unravel the mysteries of one of our solar system’s most intriguing moons.
