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The intricate design of NASA’s Europa Clipper vault plate in 3D detail. With the ability to spin the digital model, uncover the convergence of Earth’s languages, celestial equations, and a poignant poem dedicated to Europa. |
The legacy of NASA spacecraft carrying inspirational messages from Earth is rich and varied. From the iconic Pioneer Plaque and the Voyager Golden Record, which aimed to communicate with potential extraterrestrial civilizations, to the engravings aboard NASA’s Mars rovers, humanity has sought to leave its mark on the cosmos. Now, as NASA embarks on a new mission from one ocean world to another, the Europa Clipper spacecraft carries on this tradition. Its journey not only explores the mysteries of our solar system but also inspires global interest and connection, uniting humanity in the pursuit of knowledge and exploration.
Water serves as a vital link between our home planet, Earth, and Jupiter’s intriguing moon, Europa. With its vast oceans hidden beneath an icy exterior, Europa presents an enticing opportunity for scientists to explore the potential for extraterrestrial life. The Europa Clipper mission endeavors to confirm the existence of this subsurface ocean, positioning Europa as a promising candidate for studying habitability beyond Earth. Inspired by this shared element of water, the Europa Clipper team has meticulously engraved designs onto a triangular metal plate, symbolizing the interconnectedness of humanity and our collective drive for exploration.
Crafted from tantalum metal, measuring approximately 1 millimeter thick and 7 by 11 inches (18 by 18 centimeters), this plate forms a crucial component of the spacecraft’s structure, shielding its electronics from the intense radiation emitted by Jupiter.
Water serves as the universal link connecting all forms of life and every corner of human culture. On the outward-facing side of the vault plate, a mesmerizing display titled “Water Words” emerges—a compilation of the word for water in 103 spoken languages, radiating from a central symbol representing the American Sign Language sign for water.Curated by professional linguists, this collection spans diverse and inclusive language families worldwide. Each word’s audio recording is meticulously engraved onto the vault plate in waveform format, capturing the essence of its sound.
Notably, the circular symbol depicting the American Sign Language sign for water was crafted using a sophisticated image processing and data compression technique known as Fourier transform, adding a layer of technological artistry to this symbolic representation.
