1335349
Sunc8@uw.edu
Writing Project
Space craft finally approaching Jupiter. With NEXT, which is NASA’s new propulsion system using xenon propellant with blistering speed of up to 90,000 miles per hour, the crew traveled to Europa in about 200 days. NEXT provide same amount of energy with 860 kg of xenon propellant compare to 10,000 kg propellant in old technology and have five and a half years life time. To save food, water, energy, and space for long distance space travel, all crew members are in a state of deep sleep with very low metabolic rate. Space craft will wake up them when it is ready to enter the orbit of Europa. Space craft will use gravity of Jupiter and moon’s orbit as an assist to decelerate and create an angular momentum to …show more content…
There are rock like things cover the ground, and I can’t tell if it is ice. Above the horizontal, half of Jupiter occupies one third of the sky, and the Sun is just a small bright spot that is much smaller than the Sun we can see on Earth. Weather condition seems mild because it is peace and quiet outside. But in fact, there’s no atmosphere on Europa. Because of this, Europa can’t regulate its temperature to a moderate level. Our landing site is near equator, so the temperature outside is about -260 F, which is way more better than the -370 F poles. Condition outside is harsh not only because of the temperature, but also the radiation. As the largest planet in the solar system, Jupiter traps charged particles in its rotating magnetosphere and forms radiation belt. The intensity of charged particles on Europa ranges in 1-keV to the tens-of-MeV. This range is because Jupiter’s magnetosphere rotates with the planet about every ten hour while it takes 3.5 Earth days for Europa to orbit Jupiter. So not all of Europa experiences the same exposure. It is disappointing to think about the harsh weather outside while dress my space suit