Jack,
Your proposal was fielded back in 1996 and had a tentative
mission name that escapes me now. Anyway, it was shouted down at
a Europa focus group workshop, I recall, because most folks wanted a
lander/orbiter and more passive, in situ approach. However, I
agree that the explosive projectile, orbital collection of ejecta and
sample return has its merits on simplicity of approach.
Gary
P.S. Jeff's recent response re: unsubscribe Europa was absolutely
superb.
Could a projectile or explosive device be dropped onto the surface of Europa, engineered in such a way as too cause an "up-splash" of matter in a concentrated shape - ideally a narrow cylinder? If so, given the rarity of atmosphere, an orbit could be achieved where the craft could be caused to fly through the ejecta - result - hands-on without the huge energy expenditure of a soft touch-down.
OK, so now that I am on topic, the banter re the unsubscribe below is hilarious. Thanks!
Jack
-----Original Message-----
From: Gordon Smith [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Sunday 04 April 2004 11:00
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: RE: Space photos from Benson's Beyond on display in Worcester, MA this fall
At 11:25 AM 4/4/04 -0400, you wrote:
Unsubscribe Europa (Take 2)
.......Your second attempt will fall on deaf ears.......as did the first......
Unsubscribe
.....No......
Whatever it takes...
....your first born.........
Please stop sending me this!
....didn't you realize? You CAN'T stop it........you will be assimilated into the EUROPA collective....
;)
P.S. I hope you took this with humor, as it was meant......:)
