Lake Vostok as a Paradigm for Solar System Exploration: An analog to Europa for Astrobiology and Planetary Protection

Mathematics – Logic

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6218 Jovian Satellites

Scientific paper

Europa, the icy satellite of Jupiter is thought to have a deep sub-surface ocean that may contain twice the water of the oceans on Earth. This very possibility portends a potential habitat for life, and perhaps a home to a second genesis within our Solar System. Astrobiological exploration of Europa presents significant challenges in at least three areas: access and communication through kilometers of ice; detection of biomarkers in an expected extremely oligotrophic environment; and protection against the material and microbiological contamination of the Europan environment. NASA is developing the technological and operational capabilities to responsibly explore the challenging Europan ocean. In preparation, sub-glacial lakes such as Lake Vostok offer opportunities for gaining an understanding of life at an extreme, as well as for the field testing and verification of autonomous robotic exploration. The benefit to sub-glacial lake exploration will be the provision of enhanced and autonomous access to sub-surface lakes, improved remote communication capabilities, sophisticated instrumentation, and expertise in the application of non-contaminating procedures for lake exploration.

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