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Space
Space
Science
Samantha Mathewson

New laser drill could help scientists explore ice-covered worlds like Jupiter's ocean moon Europa

A submarine below the thick icy crust of Jupiter's Moon Europa would experience about the same pressure as a vehicle in the hadal zone.

A new laser concept could revolutionize how we explore the frozen worlds of our solar system.

When scientists dream of exploring the hidden oceans beneath the icy crusts of moons like Jupiter's Europa or Saturn's Enceladus — or other icy regions, such as permanently shadowed lunar craters or ice-bearing soils near the Martian poles — one major problem stands in the way: drilling through the ice.

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