Exploring Ocean Worlds: Cryobot Probes and the Search for Alien Life
Researchers gathered at a NASA-sponsored workshop to discuss the development of a cryobot mission concept to explore the icy moons Europa and Enceladus in search of life. These moons are believed to have vast oceans beneath their icy crusts, making them potential habitats for life. The cryobot, a self-contained probe that uses heat to melt ice, has emerged as a leading candidate for accessing the liquid water. The workshop identified key subsystems, including power, thermal management, mobility, and communication, that need to be developed for a successful cryobot mission. Despite challenges, the consensus is that a cryobot mission remains feasible and scientifically compelling for the direct search for life on ocean worlds.