ESA Selects Next Generation Space Missions

davecl writes "The European Space Agency has announced the results of its Cosmic Visions 2015-2025 call for proposals. Fifty space science missions for the next decade were proposed, with just seven selected. They range from X-ray and far-infrared observatories to planet finders and a near-earth asteroid sample return mission. These seven, together with the LISA gravitational wave observatory, will go ahead for further study in the next few years, and then two will be chosen for launch in 2015-2017."

Comments

Re:Jovian System

[volcanopele]

Yes, but neither Laplace nor NASA's proposed Europa Orbiter will answer the question of whether there is life on Europa. The upper few meters of Europa's surface have been effectively sterilized by particle radiation from Jupiter's magnetosphere, removing all trace of life that may have made its way to the surface. Most plausible life on Europa would likely be much deeper, within the internal ocean. To answer THE question WRT Europa would require a lander and probably a sub.