**NASA Postpones Europa Clipper Launch Following Hurricane Milton**

NASA has announced a delay in the launch of its ambitious Europa Clipper mission, citing the need for additional checks in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, which struck the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Initially set for October 13, the lift-off of the $5 billion mission now aims for October 14 at 12:06 p.m. EDT, weather permitting, on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from Pad 39A.

Hurricane Milton hit the Florida coast hard on Wednesday and Thursday, causing NASA to push the launch date from October 10 to October 13, and now to October 14 to ensure that thorough post-storm evaluations are completed. "Following Hurricane Milton, teams are continuing to do checkouts to ensure flight readiness," NASA noted in an update on Friday.

Despite the disruption, an early assessment reveals that the damage sustained by the Kennedy Space Center was minor. The facility's Damage Assessment and Recovery Team has deemed it safe for employees to return and continue preparatory work. The damage, including issues like ripped awnings and damaged doors, was found to be manageable.

The Europa Clipper mission is one of NASA's most significant undertakings, aiming to explore Jupiter's moon Europa, which is believed to have more water beneath its icy surface than all of Earth's oceans combined. Scientists are hopeful that Europa's subsurface ocean could harbor conditions suitable for life. The spacecraft, equipped with cutting-edge instruments, is slated to conduct a series of detailed measurements to ascertain the moon's habitability.

NASA and SpaceX have a launch window extending until November 2 and are working diligently to ensure everything is primed for a successful mission. If all goes according to plan, Europa Clipper will reach Europa on April 11, 2030, poised to unlock the secrets of this enigmatic moon.