| Yeah Europa is interesting as all hell, but I wouldn't expect a mission anytime soon. Simply to drill through the icecaps is something way beyond our capability in regards to space.
Also, another source of energy is probably tidal forces. I'd wager that's more important to possible Europan life than radiation penetrating a kilometers thick ice shield (although extremophiles may be abundant on the surface or near surface).
Ignoring whatever compositional features within Europa may act as another source of energy and therefore life. |