Scientists interested in the cracks, through which surface water seeps out of the ocean.
NASA plan to send to Europe, Jupiter’s satellite, the probe that will take samples of the water on its surface and test them for the presence of life. If successful, scientists will be engaged in the project, in which the other probe will drill the well to the subsurface ocean.
The intent of the researchers, the first lander would be launched after another space station in the framework of the Europa Multiple Flyby mission, which will begin in 2020-ies will orbit Europe and reconnoiter for suitable landing places.
Scientists interested in the cracks, through which surface water seeps out of the ocean covered by an ice crust with a thickness of 10-30 kilometers. The goal of the probe is to drill a shallow recess in the frozen water, to take samples of ice to determine its composition.
The lander will be equipped with a camera that will allow researchers to observe what is happening around the probe. In addition, engineers will be equipped with automatic laboratory for chemical analysis, and the geophone — a device intended for studying of seismic activity.
According to scientists, the success of the mission depends on whether the project was implemented by many kilometers of drilling wells and taking samples directly from the ocean. This will increase the chances of finding life on Europa, if it exists there.
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