Originally published on July 16, 2013
British researchers have tested a 'penetrator' projectile technology designed to search for extraterrestrial life around the Solar System, according to a report by the BBC. The 20-kilogram steel projectile, as part of Thursday's test, was fired at a 10-tonne cube of ice intended to replicate the surface of Jupiter's icy moon Europa.
The probe hit the block at just under the speed of sound and decelerated instantly, experiencing a peak deceleration of 24,000g. The internal components remained intact and the projectile penetrated deep into the block of ice.
As part of possible future missions, the probe is intended to be dropped to Europa's surface from a carrier satellite. Once embedded in the ice, the probe could collect sample materials and beam the results back to Earth.
No mission opportunities have yet to be identified for the penetrator.
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