Produced by: Tarun Mishra
A team of roboticists from the California Institute of Technology's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, in collaboration with a colleague from Carnegie Mellon University's Robotic Institute, have developed a snake-like robot to investigate the terrain on Enceladus, Saturn's sixth-largest moon.
The group's findings were detailed in a paper published in the journal Science Robotics, outlining the robot's design tailored specifically for traversing the icy terrain of Enceladus.
Enceladus, predominantly covered in ice, features a diverse surface with flat stretches, ridges, and craters caused by asteroid impacts. Recent discoveries suggest the presence of a subsurface ocean and water-based plumes, sparking speculation about potential life on the moon.
The snake-like robot prototype, dubbed Exobiology Extant Life Surveyor (EELS), spans approximately 4 meters in length. Comprising a head with a computer and segmented body parts, it utilizes ball joints to navigate independently and corkscrew exteriors for locomotion.
EELS operates autonomously, manoeuvring across icy terrain by turning its corkscrews and analyzing captured materials for signs of life. Equipped with sensors and cameras, it selects its path and can reverse if needed.
Withstanding temperatures as low as –198°C, EELS boasts remarkable durability essential for exploring Enceladus. Successful testing has been conducted in the lab, sandy locations, and even on the Athabasca Glacier in Alberta, Canada.
The development of EELS marks a significant step in the exploration of extraterrestrial bodies, offering potential insights into the existence of life beyond Earth.
As plans for further space exploration unfold, EELS stands poised to contribute valuable data in the quest to uncover the mysteries of Saturn's enigmatic moon, Enceladus.