Updated Europa gravity field and interior structure from a reanalysis of Galileo tracking data

Abstract

The Galileo radio tracking data were reanalysed exploiting the new knowledge of Jupiter obtained by the Juno mission, together with modern orbit determination techniques developed for the Cassini data analysis. Using Doppler data acquired during six encounters of Europa an updated gravity field of the moon was obtained, resulting in a value of C22 statistically different from the available literature. The new value suggests a thinner ice-water shell and a less dense interior.

Topics & Concepts