Potential habitability of the Jupiter system: deep aqueous environments in Europa, Ganymede and Callisto

The three large icy satellites of the Jupiter system, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto have different geophysical and geological characteristics but in common the possible presence of an internal ocean. The confirmation of the existence of deep aqueous reservoirs and their physical characterization are critical actions to find out if there are habitable environments in these satellites. A comparative study of these three bodies will be performed by the JUICE (Jupiter and Icy Moons Explorer) space mission in the near future. It will be key to evaluate the parameters, apart from the liquid water, that restrict the potential habitability in this planetary system and in the Universe. Once the habitability is ratified, the exploration of these icy moons should go further to search for biosignatures and life.