Europa Space Mission
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58445/rars.3332Keywords:
Space Exploration, Space Mission, EuropaAbstract
This paper explores the design and planning of a future mission to Europa, one of Jupiter's most intriguing moons. The study examines critical aspects of space mission development, including launch considerations, spacecraft selection, propulsion systems, and refueling strategies. Scientific objectives focus on investigating Europa's icy shell and subsurface ocean for potential signs of life and habitability. The paper evaluates the advantages and challenges of human versus robotic exploration, ultimately advocating for robotic missions due to cost-effectiveness and safety. Additionally, the analysis compares sample return missions with one-way exploration, concluding that remaining on Europa maximizes scientific value while minimizing mission complexity and expenses.
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