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The conversation shifts to Europa, one of Jupiter's precious moons, which is of particular interest due to its subsurface ocean. Recently, the European Space Agency (ESA) launched the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE), aimed at investigating Europa and its neighbors, particularly Ganymede. The JUICE mission will study these moons over several years, gathering data that could illuminate the potential for life in these icy environments.
Following JUICE, NASA’s Europa Clipper mission is set to launch in October 2024. This mission aims to assess whether Europa has the necessary elements for life, revealing indicators of water, chemistry, and energy. The Clipper is anticipated to offer new insights that may confirm Europa as a promising candidate in the search for extraterrestrial organisms.