Transistor problem solved, NASA clears way for Europa Clipper launch

After a thorough investigation into suspicious transistors on NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft, NASA officials have given the go-ahead to launch the probe next month as planned. The $5.2 billion mission is set to determine whether a suspected subsurface ocean on Jupiter's icy moon Europa is a habitable environment.

The transistor problem occurred in May, raising concerns that Clipper's mission might be shortened or the flight delayed for costly repairs.

However, the research found that the transistors in question will actually repair themselves during the 20 days between high doses of radiation the probe receives during each of its 49 flybys ...