Nuclear-Powered Tunneling Probe to Search for Extraterrestrial Life on Europa


A liquid ocean in contact with a silicate interior makes Jupiter’s icy moon Europa a prime location for life. This possibility is compounded if geologic processes within its ice shell allow surface materials to mix with the ocean and recharge chemicals required for life. Unfortunately, this ice shell represents a barrier to direct exploration. Dr. Andrew Dombard from the University of Illinois at Chicago and co-authors have performed a concept study for a nuclear powered tunneling probe that can traverse through Europa’s ice shell and reach the ocean, carrying a payload that can search for evidence for extant/extinct microbial life.

http://www.sci-news.com/space/europa...bot-06727.html