A probe explores Europe's underground ocean - Illustration - Europa Submersible Probe - Illustration -...

A probe explores Europe's underground ocean - Illustration - Europa Submersible Probe - Illustration - Artist's view of a space probe exploring Europe's underground ocean. Ice covers the surface of this Jupiter satellite; it is believed that under the tens of km thick of this ice, water in the liquid state could exist. A remote - controlled submersible probe pokes around beneath the icy mantle of Europa. The probe is designed to fit down a narrow hole, with the lights mounted on deployable rods, and small motorized wheels mounted on the fairings (hard to see here). Antennae trail behind. Power and warmth are provided by a SNAP generator near the rear. Stereo cameras are in front. Water intakes for chemical analysis are behind the front fairing. Attitude control is provided by small thrusters. Main propulsion comes from a small propellor equipped with a Kort nozzle. The oceans of Europa and the other Galilean moons could prove to be the most surprising environments in the solar system