Europa Clipper: AI-Powered search for life beyond Earth

By Parshuram Dahal

The Europa Clipper mission, launched by NASA on October 14, 2024, to study Jupiter's moon Europa, represents a milestone in science and technology. This is the first mission specifically designed for a detailed study of Europa. Scientific evidence suggests that Europa may still possess the necessary elements for life to exist. This spacecraft will embark on a six-year journey, covering 1.8 billion miles (2.9 billion kilometers), to reach Jupiter in April 2030. Upon arrival, it will orbit Jupiter and conduct 49 close flybys of Europa for in-depth study.

This mission aims to search for the possibility of life by utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) and other cutting-edge technologies. AI refers to technology that enables computers to learn and function like humans. It assists humans in solving complex problems and simplifying daily tasks. Scientists believe that this mission will not only search for life beyond Earth but also pave the way for future exploration plans of other planets and moons.

The estimated total cost of NASA's Europa Clipper mission is approximately $5.2 billion. This includes all expenses from mission development to four years of operation after reaching Jupiter in 2030. The budget has increased due to the highly complex nature of the mission and challenges such as design and radiation. This is considered one of NASA's most expensive planetary science projects.

Over 1,000 scientists and engineers, including AI and planetary research experts, were involved in the Europa Clipper mission. The preparation for this mission officially began in 2015, and after nine years of dedicated effort, it was successfully launched on October 14, 2024. During this period, the scientific team designed and tested complex equipment while meticulously planning the journey and route towards Jupiter. The mission aims to utilize AI technology to enhance data processing and navigation, ensuring safe flight in Jupiter's hazardous radiation environment.

The Europa Clipper spacecraft utilizes hydrazine-based fuel. Hydrazine is a reliable fuel for space travel, particularly for altering and controlling the spacecraft's trajectory in deep space. Approximately six thousand pounds (two thousand seven hundred fifty kilograms) of fuel are stored in the spacecraft's tanks, along with helium pressurant to manage fuel flow. With the assistance of this fuel, the Europa Clipper will complete its journey to Jupiter's orbit by utilizing gravitational assistance from Mars and Earth. Hydrazine thrusters will assist in course correction and maintaining the correct orientation of scientific instruments during the mission.

A primary objective of the Europa Clipper mission is to search for the possibility of life on Europa. Europa, one of Jupiter's major moons, is enveloped by a salty ocean hidden beneath its surface. Scientists estimate that this ocean contains more water than all of Earth's oceans combined. Scientists hypothesize that the ocean beneath the ice on this moon of Jupiter may contain the essential elements for life—water, chemical compounds, and energy sources. This mission also aims to study Europa's environment to answer the question of whether we are alone in the universe. If conditions suitable for life are found, it will pave the way for confirming the possibility of life on other planets and moons beyond Earth. It is hoped that this mission will transform humanity's understanding of its place in the universe and the meaning of life.

The primary instruments of this mission include ice-penetrating radar, a thermal imaging system, and an ultraviolet spectrometer. The spacecraft will study signs of life by searching for water and water plumes hidden beneath Europa's surface. AI systems will analyze surface images and other scientific data, select crucial information, and autonomously guide the mission.

This spacecraft, powered by solar energy, is equipped with 100-foot-long solar panels to assist in collecting sufficient energy even from Jupiter's weak sunlight. Radiation-resistant technology will be employed to protect the spacecraft's instruments from Jupiter's radiation.

AI systems will prioritize and compress the data collected during the mission before transmitting it to Earth, eliminating unnecessary information and enabling scientists to quickly identify crucial facts for immediate use. This level of efficiency will enable research in space even without human monitoring. This mission will further inspire the search for the possibility of life on planets and moons beyond Earth. If life is discovered on Europa, it will not only be a victory for science but also a historic achievement for all of humanity. Such utilization of AI and space technology will elevate the field of space exploration to new heights.

For a country like Nepal, such AI technology serves not only as a source of inspiration but also as a guide for the nation's technological development. This technology can be utilized to deliver education and healthcare services to remote areas, enhance agricultural productivity in rural areas, and develop predictive systems for disaster management. By utilizing AI technology, Nepal can make significant contributions not only to its scientific research but also to improving its standard of living. In the future, the collaboration between AI and humans will play a crucial role in advancing education, healthcare, and research. The responsible and secure collaboration between humans and AI will contribute to making our lives more convenient and efficient.

NASA's endeavor to search for the possibility of life on Europa can illuminate the potential for human life on other planets beyond Earth. Countries like Nepal can also strengthen their research and development by drawing inspiration from such technologies. AI will not only elevate the potential of human civilization but also elevate the concept of life in the entire universe to new heights. This will assist Nepal in participating in world-class research and space technology.

The Europa Clipper mission will be a significant milestone in the space journey of not only NASA but of all humanity. This mission will revolutionize science and technology, inspiring future space explorations, bringing us closer to answering the question, "Are we alone?"

(Author is currently working as an AI expert in the United States.)