Originally published on July 16, 2013<br /><br />British researchers have tested a 'penetrator' projectile technology designed to search for extraterrestrial life around the Solar System, according to a report by the BBC. The 20-kilogram steel projectile, as part of Thursday's test, was fired at a 10-tonne cube of ice intended to replicate the surface of Jupiter's icy moon Europa. <br /><br />The probe hit the block at just under the speed of sound and decelerated instantly, experiencing a peak deceleration of 24,000g. The internal components remained intact and the projectile penetrated deep into the block of ice. <br /><br />As part of possible future missions, the probe is intended to be dropped to Europa's surface from a carrier satellite. Once embedded in the ice, the probe could collect sample materials and beam the results back to Earth. <br /><br />No mission opportunities have yet to be identified for the penetrator.<br /><br />--------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />TomoNews is your daily source for top animated news. We've combined animation and video footage with a snarky personality to bring you the biggest and best stories from around the world. <br /><br />For news that's fun and never boring, visit our channel:<br />https://www.youtube.com/user/TomoNewsUS<br /><br />Subscribe to stay updated on all the top stories:<br />http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=TomoNewsUS<br /><br />Stay connected with us here:<br />Facebook http://www.facebook.com/TomoNewsUS<br />Twitter @tomonewsus http://www.twitter.com/TomoNewsUS<br />Google+ http://gplus.to/TomoNewsUS
