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Joint Jupiter Science Definition Team - 07.24.2008

The Joint Jupiter Science Definition Team met July 14-15 2008 in Monrovia, CA. This was the first meeting of the group after the 2nd interim review with Headquarters, which took place ~3 weeks earlier. That review was very successful, and the team is now moving into a new phase of the project. The $2.1B cost cap, toward which the group was previously working, has been lifted. The focus of the SDT is to now refine the "sweet spot" -- the break between science and cost. The "sweet spot" will optimize the science at Europa and in the Jupiter System, while keeping costs realistic and under control. Europa continues to be the prime focus of the study, but the group discussed how to best incorporate exciting and important system science. The JJSDT heard presentations on Jupiter ring science and Io science in addition to other topics. The JJSDT considered the possibility of a small, contributed surface element to make in situ atmospheric and near-surface composition. The group also discussed that radiation at Europa is still publicly perceived to be a problem. Better communication of the actual risk and mitigation approaches will be compiled and disseminated to the public and HQ.

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