Europa Ice Drilling Colloquium

The Europa Subsurface Assay Institute convenes this colloquium every two years for drillers, glaciologists and ocean scientists. This year's focus is how to sample the ice shell commercially without contaminating the ocean beneath.

Cryo-sampling specialist Ylva Strand presents the Guild's work on the Conamara Brine Lenses, where a Cryo Ice-Core Sampler melted down to 850 metres and recovered brine carrying 210 g/t lithium. She describes the sterilisation protocol and the sled logistics behind the campaign. Radiation Safety Officer Sora Lindgren adds a session on crew exposure on Europa's surface, which is milder than Io but still serious.

Registration is through the Institute. Papers are published in the colloquium proceedings.

The Guild will also show the Cryo Ice-Core Sampler in the exhibition area, including its plutonium-238 power unit and the sealed core canisters used to keep brine samples under pressure.