Current technology has not yet developed to guarantee zero-chance of forward contamination or other harm should we engage the Jovian moon of Europa with surface landers. (www.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/europa-mission/). While plans for preventing such contamination exist (www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=9895), the possible consequences of such contamination could be catastrophic. More development and experience is needed before the benefits of a lander mission on Europa should be considered.



