Distributed Geophysical Exploration of Enceladus and Other Ocean Worlds

Abstract

Networked multi-node missions should be developed in the coming decade, and should be considered as part of the next ocean worlds mission. Such networks could be key to interpreting the geophysical and geochemical context of any sampled materials in order to understand the context of habitability needed for interpreting any putative signature of life.

Here, we describe the benefits of distributed exploration with a focus on Saturn's moon Enceladus, a key target in the search for life.

Keywords

• Distributed
• Geophysical
• Exploration
• Enceladus
• Other
• Ocean
• Worlds