Transfer, adaptation and further development of terrestrial ocean vehicle technology for the exploration of the Jovian Moon Europa

In this paper, we analyze a scenario, in which a hydrobot would be sent through the several kilometers thick ice layer of the Jovian Moon Europa, integrated in a melting probe, and once reaching the ocean, would perform a highly autonomous investigation of its habitability. The hydrobot would be either swimming or driving at the bottom of the ocean or the underside of the ice layer, equipped with a set of instruments for analyzing environmental conditions and the biological potential of the nearby water, the ice and the sediment, as well as carrying technology to map the surrounding area. We will analyze requirements for such a mission from a space-engineering point of view and investigate the potential of terrestrial ocean vehicle technology to fulfill these requirements, including the identification of areas for further development.