The Europa Orbiter radar sounder: Innovative radar design for a challenging mission

Recent observations of the surface of the Jovian moon Europa indicates the possibility of the presence of a vast ocean beneath the icy surface. Currently the NASA mission Europa Orbiter plans to place several instruments, including a radar sounder, in a 150 km circular orbit around this moon. The science objectives of the EO Mission are: to understand the surface composition, especially compounds of interest to prebiotic chemistry; map the distribution of important constituents of the surface and characterize subsurface interfaces; and characterize the radiation environment in order to reduce the uncertainties for future missions, especially landers. To support these science objectives, the Europa Orbiter will have the following instruments: an ice-penetrating radar; a laser altimeter and an IR-visual imager.