RESEARCH TOPICS
On this page you find topics to be researched (by you) as part of phase-I.
You are always welcome to suggest additional topics as well as main categories (just E-mail us).
We are hoping to expand the list as the project progresses and through participation.
The research performed on these topics will become the foundation for phase-II and featured on this website.
If you want to have a more general discussion about these topics please go to the forum page.
Just follow these steps:
- Please begin reading the guidelines.
- Download the Objective Europa report template.
- Pick a topic of you interest using “Claim topic via email”-button.
- You must E-mail us about your choice, sending us your data and expected outcome before you begin.
- Your name and data will be added the topics-list when your contribution has been registered.
- E-mail us the final report with ideas, research or sketches.
- Your work will be uploaded this site for everyone else to read and reference to.
If a topic has already been chosen by someone else you are still welcome to claim it as well.
More research on the same topics is only great.
Mission Architecture
TOPIC | RESEARCHERS | RESEARCH PAPERS |
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Overall mission architecture conceptGeneral ideas and concepts of mission architecture. Keywords:launcher, launch capacity, on-orbit assembly, trajectory, flight, gravity-assist trajectories, ascent concept, descent concept, mission life time. |
Ben Bingham
Edward Ge
Timothy Marquardt
Ruslan Merzlyakov
Shane White
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Europa Ascent Vehicle Concept, Edward Ge, 2013
On the Physiology and Chemistry of Europa, Shane White, 2015 |
Mission architecture trade-off analysisDevelopment and comparison of various exploration mission concepts to maximize scientific/exploration objectives while minimizing cost. This should include a comparison between single robotic exploration missions (e.g. NASA style mars rover missions) vs. multi-mission human/robotic exploration or colonization. The intent here is to compare long term vs. short term strategies for exploration and robotic vs. human exploration approaches. |
Christopher Remde
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Launch vehicle studiesResearch on current and future launch vehicles for the mission. Keywords:launch vehicle, payload capacity, reliability, launch provider |
Ralfs Krists Virkstenis
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Trajectory theories and calculationsResearch on possible flight trajectories to moon Europa. Keywords:orbit cycles, launch windows, interplanetary mission time, eta. |
Hari Shankar
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Launch windowsLaunch windows studies for leaving Earth passing Mars towards Jupiter and Europa. Keywords:launch window, sling-shot, gravity, mars, jupiter,europa, distance, eta. |
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Ground control operationsConcepts related to ground control operation during the entire flight. Keywordsmission control, communication, deep space telescopes, coverage, support |
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Communication systemsCommunication strategies for supporting manned as well as precursor missions. KeywordsRelay satellites, link budgets, optical links, modulation schemes, DSN utilization, delay-time. |
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Power systemsStrategies for power generation and distribution. KeywordsRTGs, fission reactors, solar panels. |
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RiskRisk assessment and studies for potential mission architecture and scenarios. KeywordsRisk, damage, mission failure, likelihood, outcome. |
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Technical challenges and TRL assessmentIdentification of critical technical challenges with the human and robotic exploration of Europa, a summary of potential solutions, and assessment of technology readiness level of candidate solutions. The purpose of this task is to develop a list of key technologies to be addressed such that emphasis can be placed on solving the key problems. Long term strategies to develop the necessary technologies may also be proposed in the form of technology roadmaps, precursor missions and other risk mitigating strategies. |
Santiago Carranza
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PrecursorsTopics related to relevant precursor missions before we launch human beings. Keywords:precursors, preparation, mission setup. |
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Cost analysisCreating cost analysis and estimates for general or specific mission scenarios. Keywords:cost, TRL, mission scenarios, analysis |
Human Factors
TOPIC | RESEARCHERS | RESEARCH PAPERS |
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General health issues and threatsResearch and ideas based on general health issues concerning the astronauts during flight and the stay on Europa. A combined lists of topics which should be addressed in further studies. Keywords:health, dangers, stress, isolation, psychology, teamwork, radiation, sickness, confinement. |
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Health, sickness and treatmentEstimation of possible sickness, symptoms and treatments during the entire mission. Keywords:sickness, death, treatment |
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Radiation mitigationIdeas on radiation mitigation for the astronauts during flight and stay on Europa. Keywords:radiation, mitigation, protection, shelter. |
Adam Daniels
Kailash Nath Menon
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Radiation Mitigation for OE, Kailash Nath Menon, 2014 |
Extravehicular activity (EVA)Space-walk might be required. Concept design for in-flight EVA-systems and Europa surface operations EVA-suits. Keywords:surface operations, space-suit, EVA, space-walk, maintenance, field-work. |
Matthew Cavallaro
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Fire mitigationFire mitigation and prevention design and concepts. Keywords:fire |
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Environmental control and life support system (ECLSS)Research and ideas on the ECLSS system for the astronauts during flight and stay on Europa: Keywords:ECLSS, humidity, lighting, atmosphere, temperature, pressure, out-gassing, trash management, fecal, urine, recycling. |
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CropsGrowing foods during flight and Europa might be necessary. Estimate of requirements, possibilities and outcome. Keywords:food, crops, water, soil, ice-water, lighting, human needs. |
Jarid Kroes
Matt Noonan
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Food, water and nutritionEstimation of the food, water and nutrition requirements based on mission scenario, crew and factors like crops, production, open/close loop systems and Europa in-situ systems. Keywords:food, water, nutrition, isru, closed loop, open loop. production, crops. |
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Astronaut requirementsWhat is required for a Europa-astronaut? Keywords:age, gender, psychology, physiology, skills, know-how, requirements. |
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Training and familiarizationHow should Europa-astronaut be trained and prepared? Keywords:training, familiarization, skills, know-how, training, preparation, requirements. |
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Group size and genderTopics, concepts and studies related to group size and gender studies. Keywords:group, size, organization, hierarchy, structure, command, conflict. |
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Psychological aspectsResearch on topics with a psychological impact. Keywords:isolation, circadian rhythm, lighting, stress, team-work, one-way-trip aspect, long range communication, sacrifice. |
Daniel Gschwend
Juliette Simpkins
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Long term settlementResearch and ideas for long term settlements on Europa. Keywords:isolation, circadian rhythm, lighting, stress, ISRU, resources, supply, crops, food, water, team-work, one-way-trip aspect, long range communication, sacrifice. |
Moon Europa
TOPIC | RESEARCHERS | RESEARCH PAPERS |
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Surface operationsTopics related to Europa surface operations. Keywords:landing, habitation, movement, caves, crust, ice, lighting, shelter, mission base. |
James Wise
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Igloo Concept, James Wise, 2013 |
Ice crust ResearchGathering known research on ice crust data, composition and depth. Keywords:ice crust, ice composition, chemistry, review. |
Elias Fernando Solorzano
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A fluxgate magnetometer and an EMIS algorithm to study Europa's subsurface, Elias Fernando Solorzano, 2013 |
Oceanic operationOceanic operations are likely to become a part of the mission scenario. Topics related to such operations. Keywords:oceanic ops, submersible, cryobot, sampling, extraterrestrial life, contamination, isolation. |
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Landing sitesTopics related to potential landing sites or operational sites. Keywords:landing sites, crust, surface, Jupiter, cover, caves, operations, cryobot, descent, ascent, shelter. |
Rick Faulkner
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In-situ resourcesLocal resources such as ice, water, rocks may become a part of the life support system or systems maintenance. Keywords:ISRU, water, ice, oxygen, propellant, energy, robotics, precursor mission, crops, food. |
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Jupiter gravitationTopics related to the gravity of Jupiter. Keywords:trajectory, ascent, descent, gravity. |
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Jupiter magnetosphereTopics related to the powerful magnetosphere of Jupiter. Keywords:magnetosphere, radiation, shelter, protection, ascent, descent. communication. |
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Europa orbitEuropa has an elliptical orbit around Jupiter. How does this impact the mission or become a benefit. Keywords:orbit, Jupiter, coverage, lighting, gravity. |
Simon de Regt
Benjamin Schoemaker
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A study on the elliptical orbit of Europa when leaving Earth: is the strength of the ellipse a complication or negligible?, Simon de Regt, Benjamin Schoemaker, 2013 |
Europa radiationEuropa radiation level is very high posing issues to materials, computers and humans. Studies related to this. Keywords:radiation, levels, rad, europa, jupiter |
Robotics and Autonomy
TOPIC | RESEARCHERS | RESEARCH PAPERS |
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Requirements definition for robotic missionsOutline high level objectives which can/should be accomplished by robotic systems. This also includes an identification of key technical challenges facing robotic exploration of Europa. Keywords:environmental protection, landing site selection, deep space/sub-surface communications, power self-sufficiency, increased autonomy for long comms delay, ISRU. |
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Robotic exploration mission architectures and strategiesInvestigate and optimize approaches to exploring the orbit, atmosphere, surface and sub-surface of Europa to maximize scientific and exploration return while minimizing costs. This will include developing multi-mission robotic exploration architectures, swarm robotics concepts for surface/sub-surface exploration and human-robotic collaboration concepts. |
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Autonomous SystemsIdentification of key tasks to be accomplished autonomously and proposed concepts to solve technical challenges. Keywords:Landing site selection, vision, machine learning, autonomous navigation and localization, multi-agent systems, evolutionary robotics. |
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Surface mobility conceptsConcepts for crewed and robotic transportation on the planetary surface. Keywords:rovers, landers, hoppers, aerial vehicles, propulsion system concepts, modular designs, biomimetics. |
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Ice surface penetration conceptsConcepts and approaches to penetrating the icy surface using autonomous or crewed systems. Keywords:cryobots, drills, radioisotope thermoelectric generators, modular designs, penetrators/micro-penetrators. |
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Sub-surface mobility conceptsMobility, propulsion and transportation concepts for sub-surface oceans. Keywords:cryobots, submersibles, modular designs, underwater autonomous vehicles, biomimetics, vision and autonomy, power and communications concepts, smart materials, environmental protection systems. |
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Robotic payloads supporting human exploration activitiesRobotic payload concepts and instruments utilized by robotic systems to accomplish or support human exploraiton activities. Keywords:Infrastructure development, In-situ Resource Utilization, radiation dosage measurement and other human exploration/colonization objectives. |
Valletta Verezen
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Robotic payloads supporting exploration and science objectivesRobotic payload concepts and instruments utilized by robotic systems to accomplish exploration/science objectives. Keywords:sub-surface/surface mapping, atmospheric characterization, Ice thickness characterization, ocean characterization, search for life, radiation dosage measurement. |
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Precursor cryobot mission conceptMission and concept definition for a precursor cryobot exploration mission. This will focus on the systems level design and conceptual design of a cryobot to explore the sub-surface ocean of Europa. Keywords:cryobot, robotics, ice, autonomy, ascent, descent. |
Conceptual Design
TOPIC | RESEARCHERS | RESEARCH PAPERS |
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Habitation designConcept sketching and planning on habitations modules. Keywords:habitation, capsules, private, social, organization, modules, man-machine integration, submersible, daily life, mission operation, lighting. |
Matthew Cavallaro
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Detailed interior designConcept sketching and planning on detailed interior systems. Keywords:habitation, capsules, man-machine integration, submersible, daily life, mission operation. |
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Transformation cryobot/submersibleConcept sketching on potential module transformation from capsule, lander, cryobot and submersible. Keywords:transformation, cryobot, submersible, habitation, structure, shelter, design. |
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Overall spacecraft designConcept sketching on entire spacecraft system or system from Earth to Europa. Keywords:capsule, spacecraft, assembly, structure, materials design. |
Aaron DeVries
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General spacecraft conceptual designs, Aaron DeVries, 2015 |
Cryobot and submersibleConcept sketching on crewed cryobots and submersibles. Keywords:manned, crewed, submersible, cryobot, ice crust, operations, oceanic. |
Structures and Materials
TOPIC | RESEARCHERS | RESEARCH PAPERS |
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General structural conceptsTopics related to main structural concepts and design. Keywords:landers, habitats, protective covers, submersibles, cryobots, orbiters, satellites, ISRU-robotics. |
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Materials studyStudy on relevant materials used throughout the entire mission. Keywords:materials, mission cycle, endurance, maintenance, ISRU, external environmental exposure. |
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MaintenanceMaterials and structural maintenance will be required on all modules and systems. Topics related to potential methods, difficulties and mission set-backs. Keywords:maintenance, materials, structure, ISRU, risk |
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Environmental exposureTopics related to external and internal environmental exposure to materials and structure. Keywords:materials, structure, maintenance, exposure, radiation, temperature, corrosion, micro-meteorites, orbital debris. |
Life Science
TOPIC | RESEARCHERS | RESEARCH PAPERS |
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Contamination mitigationIn searching for extraterrestrial life we might discover "ourselves". Topics related to contamination prevention and mitigation during this process. Keywords:Keywords: contamination, prevention, mitigation, life science, sampling, search, biology. |
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Sampling and researchConcepts and methods for sampling in search for extraterrestrial life and topics related to what kind of scientific research is required. Keywords:Keywords: sampling, life science, research, contamination, glove box, clean room. |
Pierre Estienne
Fabio Rezzonico
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Nanopore-Based Instruments as Biosensors for Future Planetary Missions, Fabio Rezzonico, 2014 |
Europa lifeTopics and ideas related to known or estimated potential life on Europa. Keywords:Keywords: extraterrestrial life, life-form, oceanic, ice, biology. |
Dr. Fabio Rezzonico, Zurich University for Applied Sciences |
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Life science sitesStudies on potential sites for searching after extraterrestrial life. Keywords:Keywords: ocean, ice, geology, caves, atmosphere, sites. |
Philosophy and Life
TOPIC | RESEARCHERS | RESEARCH PAPERS |
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Human sacrificeTopics related to the need or nature of human sacrifice for a one-way mission. Keywords:Keywords: sacrifice, society, acceptance, suicide, human nature, mankind |
Ahmed Elsayyad, President of Hopkins Undergraduate Bioethics Society |
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Human explorationTopics related to human exploration as a general driver for mankind and progress. Keywords:Keywords: exploration, progress, evolution, history |
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SuicideSuicide may become a desired outcome for the astronauts during the mission cycle. How do we act on this and what options are preferred. Keywords:Keywords: Suicide, mission ending, sacrifice. |
Si Egan | |
Extraterrestrial lifeTopics related to searching for and finding extraterrestrial life. Keywords:Keywords: religion, theology, life, extraterrestrial, panspermia, society, culture. |
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Societal impactReview of the impact of setting long term, deep space exploration objectives which include so-called big picture questions such as colonization and search for life. This also should an analysis of using open-source, global strategies to accomplishing space exploration objectives versus government, capitalist or military appro Keywords:Keywords: Species survival, solar system colonization, inter-planetary species, long term space exploration strategies and renewal of interest in space exploration. |
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Spin-off technologiesEconomic impact of the development of new technologies necessary for the exploration and eventual colonization of Europa. Keywords:Keywords: sustainability, closed biosphere, poverty, overpopulation, green/sustainable energy, food/resource scarcity, communications, access to information |