Tuesday, September 02, 2008

Drilling Into Alien Oceans

Despite high hopes for the thermal drill, Weiss isn't sure whether one will feature on any upcoming probes. He says, "ESA and NASA were discussing a future mission to icy Europa, but it is uncertain if there will be a landing or impacting probe onboard. But sending an orbiter without lander to Europa would be like going to a candy shop without bringing money to spend."


I heartily concur.

1 comment:

Tony F. said...

I don't think it's a question of whether or not they want to do it. I have faith in the scientists that they would sell their own children to land something on Europa; it's a question of funding these days.