(abstract) Searching for Ice and Ocean Biogenic Activity on Europa and Earth

Abstract

One of the more likely places in the solar system for the existence of extraterrestrial life forms is the jovian moon Europa. It has been postulated that a volcanically heated ocean exists underneath Europa's icy surface. In order to make quantitative measurements of the Europan environment, a lander spacecraft capable of penetrating the surface ice layer by melting through it is proposed. This vehicle, dubbed a