Author:
Vance Steven D.,Craft Kathleen L.,Shock Everett,Schmidt Britney E.,Lunine Jonathan,Hand Kevin P.,McKinnon William B.,Spiers Elizabeth M.,Chivers Chase,Lawrence Justin D.,Wolfenbarger Natalie,Leonard Erin J.,Robinson Kirtland J.,Styczinski Marshall J.,Persaud Divya M.,Steinbrügge Gregor,Zolotov Mikhail Y.,Quick Lynnae C.,Scully Jennifer E. C.,Becker Tracy M.,Howell Samuel M.,Clark Roger N.,Dombard Andrew J.,Glein Christopher R.,Mousis Olivier,Sephton Mark A.,Castillo-Rogez Julie,Nimmo Francis,McEwen Alfred S.,Gudipati Murthy S.,Jun Insoo,Jia Xianzhe,Postberg Frank,Soderlund Krista M.,Elder Catherine M.
Abstract
AbstractThe habitability of Europa is a property within a system, which is driven by a multitude of physical and chemical processes and is defined by many interdependent parameters, so that its full characterization requires collaborative investigation. To explore Europa as an integrated system to yield a complete picture of its habitability, the Europa Clipper mission has three primary science objectives: (1) characterize the ice shell and ocean including their heterogeneity, properties, and the nature of surface–ice–ocean exchange; (2) characterize Europa’s composition including any non-ice materials on the surface and in the atmosphere, and any carbon-containing compounds; and (3) characterize Europa’s geology including surface features and localities of high science interest. The mission will also address several cross-cutting science topics including the search for any current or recent activity in the form of thermal anomalies and plumes, performing geodetic and radiation measurements, and assessing high-resolution, co-located observations at select sites to provide reconnaissance for a potential future landed mission. Synthesizing the mission’s science measurements, as well as incorporating remote observations by Earth-based observatories, the James Webb Space Telescope, and other space-based resources, to constrain Europa’s habitability, is a complex task and is guided by the mission’s Habitability Assessment Board (HAB).
Funder
Planetary Science Division
European Research Council
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Space and Planetary Science,Astronomy and Astrophysics