Nasa mission to Jupiter moon Europa moves step closer to launch

Mission that could shed light on possibility of life on icy rock is expected to lift off in 2025

A Nasa mission to explore the most tantalising of Jupiter's 79 moons has been given the green light to proceed to the final stages of development.

Europa - which is slightly smaller than our own moon - has long been considered a possible candidate in the hunt for alien life. Evidence suggests there is an ocean below the moon's thick, icy crust that might be tens of miles deep. Scientists believe this body of water could contain the right chemical cocktail for life and could even be home to some form of living organisms.