The search for life in the universe is often informed by the study of “extreme” environments on Earth, which provide analogs for habitable locations in the Solar System, and whose […]
Europa
Posted inBiochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Enceladus, Europa, Icy Worlds, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Microgravity, Status Report
Toward Detecting Biosignatures of DNA, Lipids, and Metabolic Intermediates from Bacteria in Ice Grains Emitted by Enceladus and Europa
The reliable identification of biosignatures is key to the search for life elsewhere.
Posted inEuropa, Missions & Hardware, Press Release
Assembly Of Europa Clipper Astrobiology Spacecraft’s Solar Arrays
This image shows the solar array “wings” for NASA’s Europa Clipper in the cleanroom of Airbus in Leiden, the Netherlands, where the solar array wings are being assembled.
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astrogeology, Europa, Ganymede, Icy Worlds, Status Report
Early Stages Of Galilean Moon Formation In A Water-depleted Environment
A key feature of the Galilean satellite system is its monotonic decrease in bulk density with distance from Jupiter, indicating an ice mass fraction
Posted inEnceladus, Europa, Ganymede, Icy Worlds, Missions & Hardware, Press Release, Robotics/Rovers/UAVs, ROVs/Submersibles/Diving, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Sending Signals To Droids Through The Ice On Ocean Worlds
Detection of extraterrestrial life would be an incredible discovery, revolutionizing humanity’s perception of life and providing us insight into how life begins and persists in various environments.
Posted inAway Teams & Field Reports, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Enceladus, Europa, Exploration Gear & Tech, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Press Release, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Whispers From The Deep Sea: The Subtle Sounds Of Hydrothermal Vents
Deep-sea hydrothermal vents host unique life that survives without sunlight, and they play a significant role in the cycle of heat, water, and chemicals within the ocean.
Posted inAstrogeology, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Enceladus, Europa, Ganymede, Icy Worlds, Mars, Missions & Hardware, Press Release, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Enabling Ice Core Science On Mars And Ocean Worlds
Ice deposits on Earth provide an extended record of volcanism, planetary climate, and life.
Posted inBiosignatures & Paleobiology, Europa, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Missions & Hardware, Press Release
SwRI Delivers MAss Spectrometer for Planetary EXploration (MASPEX) For Europa Clipper
A groundbreaking new mass spectrometer designed and built by Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has been delivered for integration onto NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft.
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astrogeology, Europa, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Press Release
Sulfur Ion Implantations Into Condensed CO2: Implications For Europa
The ubiquity of sulfur ions within the Jovian magnetosphere has led to suggestions that the implantation of these ions into the surface of Europa may lead to the formation of […]
Posted inEuropa, Icy Worlds, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Press Release, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Juno Mission Captures Images of Europa
This view of Jupiter’s icy moon Europa was captured by JunoCam, the public engagement camera aboard NASA’s Juno spacecraft, during the mission’s close flyby on Sept. 29, 2022.