Why Is the JUICE Mission Targeting Ganymede Instead of Europa?

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SUMMARY

The JUICE (JUpiter ICy moons Explorer) mission is prioritizing Ganymede over Europa due to its unique characteristics, including the presence of a subsurface ocean and its own magnetic field, which may offer protection from radiation. Despite the scientific consensus that Europa has a higher potential for life due to its ocean being closer to the surface, the mission's focus on Ganymede is driven by its orbital scheduling and the desire for more extensive scientific analysis. The cancellation of the Laplace mission has further solidified ESA's commitment to exploring Ganymede.

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  • Understanding of planetary science and astrobiology
  • Familiarity with the JUICE mission objectives and design
  • Knowledge of the characteristics of Ganymede and Europa
  • Awareness of the implications of magnetic fields on habitability
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  • Research the scientific papers on the potential for life on Ganymede
  • Explore the JUICE mission's planned orbital maneuvers and objectives
  • Investigate the differences in subsurface ocean characteristics between Ganymede and Europa
  • Learn about the implications of magnetic fields in astrobiology and planetary protection
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Astronomers, planetary scientists, astrobiologists, and space mission planners interested in the exploration of Jupiter's moons and the potential for extraterrestrial life.

skydivephil
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Are there any papers describing the possibility of life on Ganymede? I understand it is believed to have a liquid water ocean. But few seem as excited about Ganymede as they are about Europa. Is this becuase of the location of the ocean?

If there are few or no prospects for lilfe on Ganymede why is the JUICE mission focusing on Ganymede? I thought Europa was what everyone is exicted about , now I read the Laplace is canceled and ESA are looking to go ahead to Ganymede and prety much forget Europa.
 
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skydivephil said:
Are there any papers describing the possibility of life on Ganymede? I understand it is believed to have a liquid water ocean. But few seem as excited about Ganymede as they are about Europa. Is this becuase of the location of the ocean?

If there are few or no prospects for lilfe on Ganymede why is the JUICE mission focusing on Ganymede? I thought Europa was what everyone is exicted about , now I read the Laplace is canceled and ESA are looking to go ahead to Ganymede and prety much forget Europa.

Here is a relevant excerpt on Gaymede:

Possibility of Life


It has been suggested that Ganymede may be amenable to life. However, scientists say that the chances of life existing on Europa are much higher than on Ganymede, because Europa's ocean is closer to the surface than Ganymede's.

While temperatures are extremely low, & there is very little atmosphere, it does have its own magnetic field that might protect life from harmful radiation, & it lies in a relatively quiet radio zone around Jupiter unlike Europa.
http://www.info-facts.com/ganymede.htm



The Juice Mission does schedule more orbital time to Gaynmede than to Europa.
http://www.lpi.usra.edu/pss/dec2011/presentations/JoanSalute.pdf
 
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I'd love to see more scientific analysis on Ganymede via probe missions and telescope. I was unaware that it is thought to have an ocean. That link referenced by Radrook isn't worth a darn, by the way (the content, that is; the link works fine, but I know BS when I see it).
 
Super Luminal said:
I'd love to see more scientific analysis on Ganymede via probe missions and telescope. I was unaware that it is thought to have an ocean. That link referenced by Radrook isn't worth a darn, by the way (the content, that is; the link works fine, but I know BS when I see it).

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