NASA pilot underwater robot that will search for life on Jupiter’s third largest moon – Europa
NASA is preparing for a rather challenging expedition that may change its perspective on aliens. The space agency recently tested a fleet of miniature unmanned submarines for the ocean that may exist beneath the ice of Europa, Jupiter’s moon. These robots known as SWIMs- Sensing With Independent Micro-Swimmers are small, autonomous vehicles built for early detection of life in harsh conditions.
Why Europa?
Europa, the second largest moon of Jupiter, has always been a center of astrobiological attention. With its icy crust at least 60 miles thick and a subsurface ocean totaling hundreds of miles in depth, it is considered the best place to look for life in the solar system. This ocean kept warm by tidal heat from the immense gravity of Jupiter could contain the conditions needed for microbial life or other forms of life. But to get to this ocean and begin exploring it is not a simple task, especially because the moon is unforgiving, and there is still lots of uncertainty about the thickness of the ice shell.
The Role of SWIM Robots
SWIM robots are technologically advanced tools that are used in underwater explorations. Small in size and not exceeding several centimeters, they are intended to work in groups with multiple units collectively collecting information. The robots are furnished with chemical composition recognition instruments, temperature difference, and salinity sensors – important signs of life.
The SWIM robots would be placed through a lander or a robot, a bigger chunk that can drill through the ice that is Europa. Once the robot gets back to the ocean, it would set the SWIM robots adrift to swim the ocean on their own, defining an area that would be very large for one such device to canvass.
Key Features of the Robots
- Miniature Size: Small enough to maneuver through the confined spaces of Europa; it is flexible in the context of the unstable terrain of the sea on the icy moon.
- Advanced Sensors: Such devices are intended for the detection of organic molecules, temperature fluctuations, and other conditions favorable for life.
- Autonomous Operation: Can synchronize the actions and exchange the data with the ground without the constant intervention of the Earth.
- Durability: Designed to protect against cold, high pressure, and possibly radiation.
Field Testing on Earth
These robots were first tested by NASA in extremophiles on the Earth, more specifically, in the ice of polar regions. These tests are very important in the further development of the robots and are indispensable for their proper functioning under conditions that are similar to those on Europa. In the trials of the prototypes, the maneuvering capabilities of the glowing trials as well as communicating data back to the surface have been tested.
Future Mission Timeline
The SWIM robots are currently still under construction, but they are also one of the ways through which Europa is planning to be explored. NASA’s mission Europa Clipper to be launched in 2024 will offer accurate observations of Europa’s icy surface and deep interiors. This mission preparation will make way for future lander missions in which the SWIM robots could be used.
What Could We Discover?
Knowing that, if these robots succeed, they might find evidence of microbial life or even organisms of a higher level. What that may mean is another question, but the discovery that there might be infinitely more life in the universe than we have ever imagined would be another game changer.
Conclusion
NASA’s small underwater rovers are a new addition that has taken an important step in the quest for life beyond Earth. By combining innovative technology with bold exploration, these robots could unlock the secrets of Europa’s hidden ocean, answering one of humanity’s most profound questions: are we alone in the universe?
To get to the ocean on Europa, which can support life, there are certain difficulties, but thanks to SWIM robots, even handlers with a small size can become world conquerors and make great discoveries.
