my dream mission to space would be a daring exploration of europa.
i envision descending into one of the colossal cracks that scar its icy surface, some reaching depths of 25 kilometers.
at the icy bottom, i’d cling to the underside, gazing in awe at the moon-wide ocean below. despite its relatively thin layer, the gap between ice and water stretches for kilometers. jupiter’s gravitational pull creates a mesmerizing spectacle: the ice sheet trembles, generating eerie winds and waves within this subterranean cavern.
imagine the majesty of witnessing a colossal ocean storm from above, its waves reaching towards the icy ceiling. the howling wind within this lunar-scale resonance chamber would be a haunting symphony. suspended in this vast, empty space, humanity's insignificance would be starkly revealed, far surpassing the humbling experience of navigating the cosmos.
yet, this is merely a prelude. the ultimate goal lies beneath. i would plunge into the ocean, a five to ten-kilometer freefall ending in a spectacular impact. rough calculations suggest a terminal velocity of around 600 km/h, propelling me 30 meters deep. from this vantage point, i would gaze into the abyss, a 150-kilometer-deep ocean shrouded in perpetual darkness.
floating motionless in this frigid, boundless expanse, enveloped by an otherworldly tranquility, would be the ultimate sensory deprivation and a profound experience of peace.
see you tomorrow.