An Impacting Descent Probe for Europa and the Other Galilean Moons of Jupiter

Journal article (2017)

Authors

P Wurz University of Bern
D. Lasi University of Bern
U. Auster Technical University of Braunschweig
L. Gurvits Joint Institute for VLBI ERIC, Astrodynamics & Space Missions - Aerospace Engineering
W. Hajdas Paul Scherrer Institut
N. Thomas University of Bern
D. Piazza University of Bern
A Galli University of Bern
M. Jutzi University of Bern
S Barabash Instiutet for rymdfysik
M Wieser Instiutet for rymdfysik
W. Magnes Austrian Academy of Sciences
H. Lammer Austrian Academy of Sciences
Research Group
Astrodynamics & Space Missions (Aerospace Engineering) (TU Delft)
Magnetometer Radiation Habitability Plumes Jupiter Galilean moons Mission Europa Ion sensor Descent probe Impactor Mass spectrometer Radiation monitor Wide-angle camera
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Published Date

01-08-2017

Language

English

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Faculty

Aerospace Engineering

Department

Space Engineering

Research Group

Astrodynamics & Space Missions

Abstract

We present a study of an impacting descent probe that increases the science return of spacecraft orbiting or passing an atmosphere-less planetary bodies of the solar system, such as the Galilean moons of Jupiter. The descent probe is a carry-on small spacecraft (<100 kg), to be deployed by the mother spacecraft, that brings itself onto a collisional trajectory with the targeted planetary body in a simple manner. A possible science payload includes instruments for surface imaging, characterisation of the neutral exosphere, and magnetic field and plasma measurement near the target body down to very low-altitudes (~1 km), during the probe’s fast (~km/s) descent to the surface until impact. The science goals and the concept of operation are discussed with particular reference to Europa, including options for flying through water plumes and after-impact retrieval of very-low altitude science data. All in all, it is demonstrated how the descent probe has the potential to provide a high science return to a mission at a low extra level of complexity, engineering effort, and risk. This study builds upon earlier studies for a Callisto Descent Probe for the former Europa-Jupiter System Mission of ESA and NASA, and extends them with a detailed assessment of a descent probe designed to be an additional science payload for the NASA Europa Mission.