<P> The Radar for Europa Assessment and Sounding: Ocean to Near - surface (REASON) is a multi-frequency, multi-channel ice penetrating radar system that will be flown on board the Europa Clipper mission to Jupiter's moon Europa . REASON investigation will provide the first direct measurements of Europa's ice shell surface character and subsurface structure . </P> <P> The REASON instrument makes innovative use of radar sounding, altimetry, reflectometry, plasma and particles analyses . These investigations will use a dual - frequency radar emitting HF (9 MHz) and VHF (60 MHz) with concurrent shallow and deep sounding . Both VHF and HF radiating elements are mounted on a single boom, reducing antenna mass . The mission plan also includes using REASON as a nadir altimeter capable of measuring tides to test ice shell and ocean hypotheses as well as characterizing roughness across the surface to identify potential landing sites for a future Europa Lander . </P> <P> The REASON instrument will also be able to spot pockets of water within the ice shell that could serve as a passageway for chemicals on the moon's surface to the ocean below--an environment where life could potentially develop . </P> <P> The instrument was developed by the Jackson School of Geosciences, and its Principal Investigator is Donald Blankenship . REASON will be fabricated by engineers from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the University of Iowa . </P>

Radar for europa assessment and sounding ocean to near-surface (reason)