THIS DAY IN SPACE

Galileo Observes Europa’s Ice Crust
On February 26, 1996, NASA’s Galileo spacecraft provided unprecedented images of Jupiter’s moon Europa, capturing close-up views of its icy surface. The high-resolution data revealed an intricate network of ridges and fractures, sparking the now widely accepted theory that a subsurface ocean exists beneath Europa’s frozen shell. Scientists observed patterns that resembled ice floes on Earth’s Arctic Ocean, suggesting that Europa’s crust could be floating atop a liquid layer. These observations shifted Europa to the forefront of astrobiological interest, as liquid water is a key ingredient for life. Galileo’s data provided not only visual evidence but also insights into the thermal and geological dynamics of the moon. The significance of these findings has continued to grow, influencing mission proposals like NASA's upcoming Europa Clipper. Galileo’s flybys, including this critical one in February 1996, marked a milestone in understanding the potential habitability of icy worlds beyond Earth.

Launch of Discoverer Space Shuttle Mission STS-63
STS-63, launched in February 1995, was a key milestone for NASA as it became the first Shuttle mission to approach the Russian space station Mir. While the mission launched earlier in the month, its closest approach to Mir occurred on February 26. Commanded by James Wetherbee and piloted by Eileen Collins—NASA’s first female Shuttle pilot—the mission achieved its primary goal of demonstrating rendezvous capability with Mir. The shuttle approached within 37 feet (11 meters) of the station, an impressive feat given the orbital dynamics involved. STS-63 also carried Spacehab experiments and performed several scientific investigations in microgravity. The symbolic handshake in space marked a thaw in Cold War-era space competition and paved the way for future Shuttle-Mir missions and ultimately the International Space Station. The success of the February 26 approach was a diplomatic and engineering triumph, showcasing global cooperation in space exploration.