In this chapter, the key technologies and the instrumentation required for the subsurface exploration of ocean worlds are discussed. The focus is laid on Jupiter’s moon Europa and Saturn’s moon Enceladus because they have the highest potential for such missions in the near future. The exploration of their oceans requires landing on the surface, penetrating the thick ice shell with an ice-penetrating probe, and probably diving with an underwater vehicle through dozens of kilometers of water to the ocean floor, to have the chance to find life, if it exists. Technologically, such missions are extremely challenging. The required key technologies include power generation, communications, pressure resistance, radiation hardness, corrosion protection, navigation, miniaturization, autonomy, and sterilization and cleaning. Simpler mission concepts involve impactors and penetrators or – in the case of Enceladus – plume-fly-through missions.

中文翻译：

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海洋世界地下勘探关键技术与仪器

本章讨论了海洋世界地下探测所需的关键技术和仪器。重点放在木星的卫星欧罗巴和土星的卫星土卫二上，因为它们在不久的将来最有可能执行此类任务。探索他们的海洋需要降落在水面，用透冰探测器穿透厚厚的冰壳，可能还带着水下航行器潜入数十公里的水面到海底，才有机会找到生命，如果它存在。从技术上讲，此类任务极具挑战性。所需的关键技术包括发电、通信、耐压、辐射硬度、腐蚀防护、导航、小型化、自主化以及杀菌和清洁。