The proposed orbiter-lander mission would launch around 2042 and arrive in the Saturn system in 2053.
  • Skua@kbin.earth
    2·
    20 days ago

    This is actually a problem that space agencies approach already! Any time they’re sending something to potentially life-harbouring locations. I believe that baking it is the standard solution

    I’m only guessing here, but I would assume that sampling the output of geysers rather than actually accessing the underground sea also helps with this. It sounds a lot less difficult too, but I imagine that a reduced chance of contaminating the water is an extra benefit

    • gigachad@piefed.socialEnglish
      2·
      20 days ago

      I guess it is especially difficult, as they find basic amino acids or other “proto-organic” material in space… But yeah, I am sure they address this and haven’t just forgotten about it ;)