24 MB PDF, 282 pages
Requires Adobe Reader
Best when printed in color on 11 x 17 paper.
It will print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper. Most recent update: 12 Jan 2009
An orbital mission to Europa continues to be a top priority for exploration, as recommended by the 2007 NASA Science Plan, the 2006 Solar System Exploration Roadmap, and the 2003 planetary sciences "Decadal Survey." This high priority arises from the very strong indications that Europa has the "ingredients" necessary for life: a vast subsurface ocean, energy sources, and the elements from which organic molecules can be constructed. With its recent geological activity and potential surface-ice-ocean exchange of watery material, Europa is the archetype for understanding the habitability of icy satellites.
