Below the Surface

Some of Jupiter’s moons are speculated to have surfaces of water ice covering sprawling liquid oceans. Water is essential for life on our planet, so discovering a source of liquid water outside of Earth, within our solar system no less, could mean big things. My mission would involve sending a probe powered by a radioisotope power system to Ganymede, the largest of the Jovian moons, to learn more about what lay underneath its surface. The probe’s RPS would be a reliable, lasting power source during the long trip to Ganymede. The probe would land on the surface of Ganymede and release an amphibian rover, which would then drill into the ice to explore the oceans below. The rover would then analyze the ocean’s chemical composition and geological formations, and then observe for signs of life. It would send its findings back to the probe, which would then transmit them back to Earth. The radioisotope power systems would be crucial in completing this mission due to their longevity. The distance from the sun makes capturing solar energy tricky, and batteries have a habit of wearing down over time. An RPS would eliminate both of these concerns, providing reliable sources of energy for the probe and rover. My power that would help with this mission is my determination. A mission like this would come with an array of problems to work through, so it would be important to approach it with patience and resilience.