CosTripA

CosTripA is a fictional space exploration mission concept developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) as part of their Aurora programme. The mission aims to explore the icy moons of Jupiter, specifically Europa and Ganymede, which are believed to harbor subsurface oceans that could potentially support life. CosTripA would involve the deployment of a lander and a rover to the surface of these moons, equipped with scientific instruments to study the composition of the icy crust, the subsurface oceans, and the potential for habitability.

The mission would launch on an Ariane 6 rocket and would take approximately six years to reach Jupiter, with a further two years required for the lander and rover to reach the surface of the moons. The lander would be equipped with a drill to penetrate the icy crust and collect samples from the subsurface ocean, while the rover would explore the surface and collect data on the composition of the ice and the potential for past or present life.

CosTripA is a complex and ambitious mission, requiring significant technological advancements in areas such as propulsion, power generation, and autonomous navigation. However, if successful, it could provide valuable insights into the potential for life beyond Earth and the conditions required for its existence. The mission is currently in the concept study phase, with a decision on whether to proceed to the next stage expected in the mid-2020s.