Europa Clipper Snaps Detailed Image of Uranus During Deep Space Navigation Check
PASADENA, CA – November 25, 2025 – NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft has successfully captured a detailed image of Uranus from approximately 2 billion miles away, demonstrating the precision of its star-tracking technology crucial for navigating the vastness of space. The image, released today, is part of ongoing tests to ensure the spacecraft’s stellar reference units are functioning optimally ahead of its mission to Jupiter’s moon Europa.
The star-tracking cameras, essential for maintaining the spacecraft’s orientation, boast an incredibly narrow field of view – capturing only 0.1% of the full sky – yet are capable of pinpointing stars and planets with remarkable accuracy. An animated GIF created from two images taken 10 hours apart reveals Uranus’s subtle movement against the backdrop of distant stars.
“The mission’s detailed exploration of Europa will help scientists better understand the astrobiological potential of habitable worlds beyond our planet,” NASA stated.
Navigating at such immense distances presents significant challenges.As Europa Clipper journeys towards the Jupiter system, these cameras will be vital for precise course correction and maintaining orientation. According to NASA, the successful capture of uranus at this distance is a testament to the advanced technology onboard.
The Europa clipper mission aims to investigate whether europa, believed to harbor a subsurface ocean, has the potential to support life. The spacecraft is scheduled to arrive at Jupiter in the coming years, relying heavily on its star-tracking capabilities to reach its destination safely and on schedule.
