NASA’s Juno Probe Measures Ice Shell Thickness on Jupiter’s Moon Europa

• January 29, 2026

NASA’s Juno spacecraft has recently obtained critical measurements of the ice layer covering Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons. This advancement provides researchers with a clearer understanding of the ice shell’s thickness, which is pivotal for planning future missions aimed at detecting potential biological life beneath the moon’s icy surface.

During a close flyby of Europa, Juno performed detailed observations and measurements that settled ongoing debates about the depth of Europa’s icy crust. This data enables scientists to better estimate how deep they would need to drill or penetrate the ice to reach the subsurface ocean believed to harbor conditions suitable for life. Understanding the ice thickness is essential for designing instruments and mission strategies for Europa exploration.

The new findings bolster efforts to explore Europa’s global ocean, which has long been a key target in the search for extraterrestrial life in the solar system. The Juno mission’s capability to conduct close passes around Jupiter and its moons continues to yield valuable planetary science data beyond its primary goal of studying Jupiter itself.

Implications for Future Exploration Missions

These precise measurements contribute to the growing body of knowledge needed for future probes and landers focused on Europa. Several planned missions aim to investigate the moon’s surface and ice shell composition to assess habitability and search for signs of biological activity. Juno’s data is therefore crucial in defining mission parameters and technological requirements for upcoming explorations into one of the solar system’s most promising environments for life beyond Earth.

Juno’s recent flyby of Europa offers precise data on its ice shell thickness, guiding future searches for life beneath the surface ocean.