Nasa confirms ocean moon mission

By Paul Rincon
Science editor, BBC News website
20 August 2019



NASA

Artwork: Europa Clipper will try to determine whether the moon can support biology


Scientists working on an audacious mission to the ocean world of Europa can proceed with the final design and construction of the spacecraft, Nasa says.

The Europa Clipper mission will target the ice-encrusted moon of Jupiter, which is considered a prime target in the search for life beyond Earth.

Below its icy shell, Europa is thought to hold a 170km-deep body of water.

This could have the right conditions for biology.

Due to launch in 2025, the Europa Clipper mission has now passed a stage called Key Decision Point C, a crucial marker on the road to the launch pad.

More:
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-49408495