Confirmed and Proposed Missions to the Ocean Worlds

Abstract

After reviewing in detail the confirmed and suspected ocean worlds of our Solar System in the previous chapters, we finish the book by looking at the missions that are planned to be sent to some of them. In particular, we review the European Space Agency’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer, or Juice, mission which was launched in 2023 and is expected to arrive at the Jovian system in 2031. There it will study the icy moons and in particular Ganymede. We also go into much detail on NASA’s Europa Clipper which has for objective the characterization of the moon Europa from 2030 onwards. We also review other missions planned or proposed such as DragonFly, the Europa Lander, and many more. In conclusion, we will wrap up this chapter by offering some reflections and insights on the intriguing prospect of discovering extraterrestrial life within our Solar System, exploring the potential ramifications and profound implications for our diverse cultures and societies.