At present we lack any technology that could allow us

At present we lack any technology that could allow us to search for life in
the cores of these giant planets; even if life might exist there, the search for it will have to
await new technological developments.
Could there be life on moons or other small bodies?
• Yes
• Moons of Jovian planets differ from terrestrial planets because they tend to contain a
great deal of ice due to being formed in parts of the solar system where it was cool
enough for ices to condense from the solar nebula
• Prospects are good for larger moons
• Probably not on smaller moons
How do robotic spacecraft work?
• Operate with preprogrammed instructions
• Flyby: a spacecraft on a flyby goes past world just once and then continues on its way
• Orbiter: an orbiter is a spacecraft that orbits the world it is studying, allowing longer-term
observation during its repeated orbits
• Lander or probe: these spacecraft are designed to land on a planet’s surface or probe a
planet’s atmosphere by flying through it. Some landers have carried rovers to explore
wider regions.
• Sample return mission: a sample return mission requires a spacecraft designed to return
to Earth carrying a sample of the world it has studied
What are some key spacecraft missions for astrobiology?
• All spacecraft missions have at least some connection to astrobiology
• Among the most important missions at present are those studying Mars, Titan, and
Venus