images

Europa Submersible Probe - Illustration

by

Joe Bergeron/Novapix

Reference

e-son90-00004

Date

2010-03-06

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.