Europa Imaging System

The objectives of the EIS instrument are: ^[2]

• Characterize the ice shell by determining its thickness and correlating surface features with subsurface structures detected by ice penetrating radar.
• Constrain formation processes of surface features and the potential for current activity by characterizing endogenic structures, surface units, global cross-cutting relationships, and relationships to Europa's subsurface structure, and by searching for evidence of recent activity, including potential plumes.
• Characterize scientifically compelling landing sites and hazards by determining the nature of the surface at scales relevant to a potential Europa Lander.

Narrow angle camera (NAC)

The NAC provides very high-resolution, stereo reconnaissance, generating 2 km wide swaths at 0.5 m pixel scale from 50 km altitude. NAC observations also include: near-global (>95%) mapping of Europa at ≤50 m pixel scale; regional and high-resolution stereo imaging at <1 m/pixel, and high phase angle observations for plume searches.^[2][3] The NAC will also perform high-phase-angle observations to search for potential plumes, even when the spacecraft is distant from Europa.^[3]

Wide angle camera (WAC)

The WAC will acquire stereo reconnaissance, generating digital topographic models with 32 m spatial scale and 4 m vertical precision from 50 km altitude.^[2][3]