Besides intense radiation, what other extreme environmental conditions define Europa's surface?
Answer
A near-perfect vacuum and extremely low temperatures
While radiation is the primary danger, the surface environment presents two other critical hurdles for any external operation: an almost complete vacuum and profoundly cold temperatures. The text notes that these temperatures plunge far below even those experienced on the Martian surface, emphasizing the severe thermal regulation challenges that must be overcome in addition to shielding against charged particles.
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