British 'penetrator' space probe passes crucial ice test

A steel projectile was fired at a 10-ton ice cube to simulate Europa's surface. The probe hit the block at nearly the speed of sound, experiencing a peak deceleration of 24,000 G's, yet its internal components remained intact. The projectile penetrated deeply into the ice. This experiment is part of potential future missions where a probe could be dropped onto Europa's surface from a satellite, collect samples, and send data back to Earth.

What was the purpose of firing the steel projectile at the ice cube?

• To test the projectile's speed

• To simulate the surface of Europa

• To measure the ice's melting point

• To create a new type of ice

At what speed did the projectile hit the ice block?

• At the speed of light

• At the speed of sound

• Just under the speed of sound

• Twice the speed of sound

What was the peak deceleration experienced by the projectile?

• 50,000 G's

• 24,000 G's

• 10,000 G's

• 100,000 G's

What happened to the internal components of the projectile upon impact?

• They exploded

• They melted

• They shattered

• They remained intact

What is the intended future use of the probe on Europa?

• To create a new atmosphere

• To collect samples and send data to Earth

• To melt the ice surface

• To orbit Europa indefinitely