This NIAC project seeks to lay the framework for sending a team of autonomous gliders to Europa as a scientific mission to understand the physical and chemical environment of Europa’s ocean; as such this Phase I proposal will investigate and propose a prototype system addressing those challenges specific to exploration of Europa with gliders.
More »Europa is an incredibly enticing target for exploration - the nearest reaches of what may be a vast new habitable zone of interior oceans warmed and stirred by tidal forces. Decades of NASA and National Academy studies including the most recent planetary science decadal survey have affirmed the pre-eminence of Europa as a destination for astrobiology research. This report provides a comprehensive technology roadmap and an assessment of current state of the art and future technologies to enable an under-ice mission to Europa.
More »Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
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Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VA Tech) | Lead Organization | Academia | Blacksburg, Virginia |