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NASA Plans Jupiter Mission

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 18, 2009 9:03 PM CST

(Newser) – NASA plans to send an orbiter to study the mysteries of one of Jupiter's moons, the Washington Post reports. Scientists suspect Europa has a massive ocean—possibly bigger than all of the Earth's oceans combined—beneath its ice-covered surface, the Post notes. Don't look up just yet: The $3 billion project—in tandem with the European Space Agency—still needs funding, and it won't launch until 2020. Oh, and the trip takes six years.

"Both agencies will need to undertake several more steps and detailed studies before officially moving forward," said a NASA statement. The ESA probe will focus on another of Jupiter's moons, Ganymede, which is the largest in the solar system. It, too, is thought to have a big ocean, and scientists hope the mission will yield clues in the hunt for extraterrestrial life.

Here's Jupiter, with its moon Ganymede, courtesy of the Hubble telescope.
Here's Jupiter, with its moon Ganymede, courtesy of the Hubble telescope.   (AP Photo/NASA/HUBBLE)
This image provided by NASA in 2007 shows an image of the planet Jupiter as seen by the New Horizons spacecraft.
This image provided by NASA in 2007 shows an image of the planet Jupiter as seen by the New Horizons spacecraft.   (AP Photo/NASA)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 10 comments
riffran
Feb 20, 2009 12:28 AM CST
"Im sorry Dave....Im afraid I can't do that".....:Would you like to hear a song?".......lol...I wonder what the propulsion system will be? Hall effect thrusters, M2P2?..the ole standard chemical propellant..(rocket fuel).....or solar sail??....can't wait
Guest
Feb 19, 2009 6:22 AM CST
Even Pat Robertson thinks you're crazy.
Sherlock1
Feb 19, 2009 1:07 AM CST
Respectful opposition is always welcome.You're only showing your lack of intelligence by going about it in a vulgar manner.

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