Space/Science — HabitableZone

Space/Science » in reply to Hydrobots

not realistic with current technology at any sub-Apollo program price

I'd love to see hydrobots get to Europa's oceans too, but realism says that's multiple decades away.

The real question is what constitutes the best use of $1 billion to $1.5 billion, the likely budget for a mission to either Europa or Titan. If for Europa that buys you an orbiter that lasts 30-60 days before frying, and no lander, while for Titan it buys you a multi-year orbiter with multiple atmospheric probes, I'm tending to support Titan.

You can't wish away either cost constraints or technology constraints. I think we don't yet know whether a Europa lander is feasible at reasonable costs.

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