The main Europa Clipper structure consists of two stacked aluminum cylinders dotted with threaded holes for attaching to the spacecraft’s cargo: RF modules, radiation monitors, propulsion electronics, power converters and wiring. The RF subsystem will power eight antennas, including a massive 10-foot wide high-gain antenna.
Heavy-duty electronic vaults built to withstand the intense radiation from the Jupiter system will be integrated with the main spacecraft structures along with scientific instruments.
Inside the main body of the spacecraft are two tanks—one for fuel and one for oxidizer—and pipes that deliver their contents to an array of 24 engines.
A lot of wiring is required to connect all the instruments, solar panels, communications equipment and propulsion systems. In fact, a spacecraft’s wiring harness consists of about 2,600 conductors and weighs 150 pounds.