The G.I.E.C. Space Probe Ganymede, Io, Europa, and Callisto By Jason Hunyar /ast/101/klinger/astronom y/solar%20system/ganyme de.gif

Purpose of the Mission Scientists believe there could be water on Jupiter’s main moons. Scientist know that when there is water, there is a high chance of possible life. The importance of finding water in other bodies is that we might be able to colonize on them. ges/StarChild/solar_system_level 2/io_big.gif

Mission Description It is a rocket capable of deploying four probes onto most planets or bodies. The probes are each able to be operated from Earth, and they will constantly report back important information.

Best Location The most valuable place to send these probes would be to the four main moons of Jupiter. They can land on the surface of the moons, no matter what terrain. The probes would be on the poles of the moons, the most likely place for water to be found. The main rocket would be in orbit around these moons, staying at each one for about two weeks, providing an overhead view.

How Soon The earliest the rocket could be launched is in years. The trip to Jupiter takes around 6 months, and then the probes would deploy and take about a week to get to the moons. The probes are designed to send back information as soon as they land. content/uploads/2009/01/callisto.jpg

Instrumentation The main probe (the one that deployed the four smaller ones), is equipped with a high-tech infrared and ultraviolet camera, so it could see in other wavelengths, through possible ice. Each of the small probes would be equipped with a drill. The drill would have a camera on its tip so that we could see everything that the drill is passing through. The drill would suck up anything it finds, and other analyzing equipment will process and store the samples.

Conclusion The main mission of the G.I.E.C. Space Probe is to have four separate chances to find water so that we, humans, might be able to find places for future colonization.