2013/01/01 by Christopher P. McKay, Ariel D. Anbar, C. C. Porco +2 · 2 citations
Business, Management and Accounting · Computer Science · Environmental Science · Physics and Astronomy · #Astro and Planetary Science #Astrobiology #Astronomy #Computer network #Computer science #Context (archaeology) #Decision Support System Applications #Earth science #Employee Performance and Motivation #Enceladus #Environmental science #Extraterrestrial life #Geology #Habitability #Icy moon #Isotope Analysis in Ecology #Link (geometry) #Liquid water #Meteorology #Physics #Planet #Planetary Science and Exploration #Planetary science #Plume #Saturn #Solar System #Space exploration #Wireless Communication Networks Research
paper · doi:10.1089/ast.2014.1158
openalex publication_date 2013/01/01 · openalex created_date 2016/06/24 · openalex updated_date 2026/04/28
The astrobiological exploration of other worlds in our Solar System is moving from initial exploration to more focused astrobiology missions. In this context, we present the case that the plume of Enceladus currently represents the best astrobiology target in the Solar System. Analysis of the plume by the Cassini mission indicates that the steady plume derives from a subsurface liquid water reservoir that contains organic carbon, biologically available nitrogen, redox energy sources, and inorganic salts. Furthermore, samples from the plume jetting out into space are accessible to a low-cost flyby mission. No other world has such well-studied indications of habitable conditions. Thus, the science goals that would motivate an Enceladus mission are more advanced than for any other Solar System body. The goals of such a mission must go beyond further geophysical characterization, extending to the search for biomolecular evidence of life in the organic-rich plume. This will require improved in situ investigations and a sample return.