DHAKA: Mars is nifty. It's fascinating. It's red and rocky and we currently have a couple of high-tech rovers checking it out. But it's no Europa.

Jupiter's intriguing moon may be iced over, but scientists suspect there's a massive ocean underneath. Researchers have even spotted what they believe to be water vapor plumes venting from the moon's south pole.

If the theories hold true, then Europa may give us a great opportunity for finding the building blocks of life beyond Earth in our solar system, said a recent report of the CNet.

However, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is taking a big leap in its plans to go there, at last.

The report added: speaking in his annual State of NASA address Monday, administrator Charles Bolden said, "Looking to the future, we're planning a mission to explore Jupiter's fascinating moon Europa, selecting instruments this spring and moving toward the next phase of our work."

The principal workplace of the President of the United States, White House, has proposed an $18.5 billion budget for NASA for fiscal year 2016, including $30 million for "formulation of a mission to Jupiter's moon Europa.”

Nevertheless, the space agency has already committed $100 million to get going on the mission with its 2015 budget.

That may sound like a lot of money, but it's a pittance compared to the $2.5 billion it took to bankroll the Mars Curiosity rover. The additional request for $30 million combined with Bolden's remarks brings new vigor to the mission planning.

BDST: 0430 HRS, FEB 06, 2015