Jupiter

ESA’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer, Juice, will make detailed observations of the giant gas planet and its three large ocean-bearing moons – Ganymede, Callisto, and Europa – with a suite of remote sensing, geophysical and in situ instruments. The mission will characterise these moons as both planetary objects and possible habitats, explore Jupiter’s complex environment in depth, and study the wider Jupiter system as an archetype for gas giants across the Universe. Jupiter’s large moons are a good place to look for life, given the presence of liquid water lying under icy shells. 

Juice is a Category III for Europa and Category II for Ganymede. Planetary Protection requirements are met by having a probability of contaminating icy worlds less than 1/10000. Extensive biodiversity campaigns have been performed throughout the build and integration of the spacecraft.   

Read more: ESA - Juice