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NASA's Europa Mission to Test Life-Powering Radioactive Elements

12/30/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers from the American Geophysical Union propose radioactive elements in Europa's rocks power life in its ocean.
They say decay of Uranium-235 and Potassium could release ions to sustain 1 septillion cells, not relying on moon's heat.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)'s Europa Clipper mission could reach Jovian system in 2030 and test this theory.
Icy crust of Europa is thicker than thought, challenging assumptions about internal heat.

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Story summary

Researchers from the American Geophysical Union propose radioactive elements in Europa's rocks power life in its ocean.
They say decay of Uranium-235 and Potassium could release ions to sustain 1 septillion cells, not relying on moon's heat.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)'s Europa Clipper mission could reach Jovian system in 2030 and test this theory.
Icy crust of Europa is thicker than thought, challenging assumptions about internal heat.