NASA scientists conducted an experiment inspired by the Cassini spacecraft, which studied Saturn and its 146 moons.
One of the most interesting objects was Enceladus, beneath the surface of which astronomers discovered an ocean with geysers ejecting gases and icy grains. The dust analyzer installed on Cassini detected the presence of sodium chloride in the water of the geysers, which, in combination with liquid water and carbon-based chemistry, is considered a key to potential life.
Moreover, traces of phosphate were discovered on Enceladus last year, making this moon of Saturn a likely candidate for extraterrestrial life.
Biologists have recently made an important discovery using more sensitive dust analyzers and water droplets with bacteria Sphingopyxis alaskensis, giving hope for the search for life in space.
New tools are planned to be sent to Enceladus as part of another space mission.
Additionally, there is a possibility of a breakthrough in the search for extraterrestrial life on Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons. At the end of this year, the Europa Clipper spacecraft will be sent there with a new dust analyzer on board.
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