Europa (Moon)

Summary
Europa is a prominent colony established by The I.U. in the late 22nd century, following the discovery of more efficient methods of space travel by the Martian Republics. Europa is known to host native complex lifeforms within its subsurface ocean.

History
On September 7th, 2047, the 'Sarpedon-F' model was finally launched after being postponed multiple times by space exploration companies and organizations. The mission of this lander was to drill through the miles thick crust, and then explore the ocean beneath. The mission turned out to be a partial success, and the first astrobiological life-form was discovered, the soon-to-be-named 'Ainiktocaris'. This research shuttle was soon destroyed and lost early into its mission, with no known cause.

Over the next few decades, multiple automated research missions have been conducted, and all eyes were turned towards the Jovian satellite for colonization. Colonization was not an option, however, due to serious implications with the properties of the moon and the current problems plaguing many of Earth's nations.

Shortly following Martian independence, Earth began to utilize new technology to colonize what would be referred to as the 'Outer Colonies'. The first of these colonies was Europa. In 2224, manned missions to Europa from the nearby Asterion station with the goal of quickly building multiple sub-surface research centers and stations. These were planned to become self-sustaining and permanently settled, and this was achieved in 2256.

These missions were overseen by the Europan Colonial Commission. The Commission was established by The Intercontinental a few decades before, after it was seen that habitability of the moon's oceans was definitely possible. The goal of the commission then is still the same; Establish a network of self sustaining colonies.

Administration
Europa is currently being colonized and managed by the E.C.C., which is an I.U. funded organization with limited autonomy.

The E.C.C. oversees many responsibilities such as governing and maintaining several (primarily) sub-surface colonies, with limited jurisdiction over nearby artificial satellites and a share in consolidation of several small mining stations on several other Jovian satellites.

The E.C.C. uses a semi-democratic system for the governing of Europa. A ‘Head Commissioner’ is appointed by the I.U. through the consensus and mandate of the Outer Colonies Council. This is controversial however, with the mandate only being approved and carried out if the upper echelons of the I.U. pass each mandate.

Another ‘Lieutenant Commissioner’ (Also referred to as ‘Deputy/Adjutant Commissioner) is appointed through the same system. The O.C.C. chooses a candidate for election to the position to serve alongside the Head Commisioner. This is usually dictated by whoever recieves the second-most amount of votes from the O.C.C. This decision is then approved or vetoed by I.U. leadership.

Astrobiology
Europa is known to host complex life beneath its sterile crust. These organisms are well adapted to the extremely harsh conditions of Europan waters. All astrobiological forms of the moon are exclusively marine.

All research is overseen by the I.U.'s Europan Institute of Astrobiology.