Jupiter in space agencies' sights

By Paul Rincon Science reporter, BBC News

The mission would study Europa and the Jupiter system

Nasa and the European Space Agency have decided to forge ahead with an ambitious plan to send a probe to the Jupiter system and its icy moon Europa.

The proposal forms the agencies' next "flagship" endeavour, to follow the successful Cassini-Huygens mission to the Saturn system.

Space officials from the agencies were considering the the Jupiter mission and a mission to Saturn's moon Titan.

The Europa mission was chosen for an earlier flight opportunity.