THE European space agency (ESA) is about to approve a new mission that can significantly broaden the search for life outside the Earth. The target is Strainone of Saturn’s moons, known for housing an underground ocean hidden under a thick layer of ice. Since 2005, when the mission Cassinifrom the NASAidentified water vapor feathers Leaving cracks on the surface of the moon, Enemy became one of the main focuses of Astrobiology.
The European mission, which for now meets the provisional name of “L4”is part of the program Voyage 2050 and aims to investigate whether this underground ocean can house microscopic life forms.
Vanderlei Cunha Parro, Systems Engineer and Full Professor, Mauá Institute of Technology (IMT), spoke about the mission in an article published in The Conversation. He explained that the great differential is in the fact that Strain expels material directly to spaceeliminating the need to pierce the ice crust to collect samples.
ESA wants to collect samples in the space
- ESA’s plan foresees the sending of a ship that will hold Multiple Fumbiancapturing particles expelled by the feathers.
- After this phase, the project includes the shipping of the moon orbit and the sending of a landing probe, which should perform direct surface analysis.
- The mission will use advanced sensors capable of investigating the physicochemical characteristics of the ice and looking for compounds as amino acidswhich are considered essential for the formation of life.
- These data can help answer one of the greatest questions of science: Is there life outside the earth?
Brazil at the center of space exploration
Brazil is also part of this project. THE Mauá Institute of Technology (IMT)located in São Paulo, was invited to collaborate in the development of a Mission’s “Digital Twin”. This type of simulator is a virtual replica of the physical project, allowing them to test critical situations, simulate failures, adjust routes and validate procedures before the actual release.
The simulator developed by IMT will take into account variables as the severity of Saturn, extreme temperatures and radiation in the deep space. This technology will be essential for anticipating risks, ensuring equipment safety and improving systems efficiency.
In addition to assisting technically, the simulator will serve as the basis for Team trainingcost reduction and optimization of operational decisions throughout the mission.
Mission challenges and schedule
Currently, the mission L4 is in the phase of definition and analysis, with expectation of approval by the ESA until the second semester of 2025. The schedule provides that the launch will occur between 2040 and 2045with the first scientific results being expected from 2050due to the long trip of about 1.5 billion kilometers Even Enemy.
The technical challenges are significant. The spaceship will need to face high levels of radiation, Extremely low temperaturesrisks of micrometeorites and failures arising from extended exposure to space. Therefore, integration between engineering solutions and simulation tools, such as IMT’s digital twin, will be critical to the success of the mission.
Different from other missions, The collection of samples for return to the land is not foreseen. All material will be analyzed directly on site, and the data collected will be transmitted by radio to the control centers on Earth.
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Scientific advance and training in Brazil
In addition to scientific advances, the participation of the Mauá Institute of Technology in a project of this magnitude represents a significant opportunity for the strengthening of scientific education and technological culture in Brazil.
Vanderlei Cunha Parro, Systems Engineer and Full Professor, Mauá Technology Institute (IMT)
According to Parro, involvement in a mission of this scale will allow Brazilian students and researchers to acquire experience in areas such as engineering Aerospace, Applied Physics and Data Science.
The project reinforces the role of the Brazilian scientific community in the international scenario and demonstrates how the country can contribute to solve some of the biggest challenges of space exploration.
