Conceptual illustration of the EELS snake exploration robot. It is expected to be useful for exploring Saturn’s icy moon Enceladus. Provided by NASA
A US research team has developed a snake-shaped exploration robot capable of autonomously exploring icy and rugged terrain. It is expected to be useful for exploring Saturn’s moon Enceladus, which is attracting attention for the possibility of life.
Thiago Stegun Vaquero, a researcher at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, has developed a snake-shaped exploration robot called “EELS (Exobiology Extant Life Surveyor)” that can autonomously explore icy surfaces, the international academic journal reported on the 13th “Science Robotics”. was announced.
Enceladus, Saturn’s icy moon, is receiving attention as research results show there is a possibility that life exists. Provided by NASA
The robot was designed with the aim of exploring Enceladus, Saturn’s “ice satellite”. The surface of Enceladus is covered in ice and it is estimated that inside there is an ocean 48 km deep. Sea water also escapes through cracks in the surface.
Last year, a study was published showing that Enceladus’ ocean contains all the key elements needed to create life, such as organic compounds and phosphorus (P), raising people’s expectations that life could exist on Enceladus.
EELS achieves propulsion by rotating 10 spline joints. The head is equipped with sensors and cameras. Provided by NASA
EELS has the shape of a 4 m long snake and weighs approximately 100 kg. The 10 splined joints twist and gain momentum, allowing for both forward and backward movement. The research team explained that the snake shape is advantageous when moving over complex terrain. The tail is connected via wires and the head is equipped with sensors, cameras and lights to understand the surrounding environment.
When the research team tested it on the frozen terrain of the Athabasca Glacier in Alberta, Canada, the EELS moved deftly across the glacier’s surface. This robot demonstrated similar performance in a sandy outdoor environment like Mars.
EELS has been tested on snowy, icy and sandy terrain. Provided by NASA
The research team said: “EELS will be able to autonomously explore the surface of Enceladus, where communication with Earth is limited, and participate in seawater sample collection missions by entering cracks in the cracked ice. We will improve the control of the robot’s autonomous movement through follow-up. on research.” “We plan to study energy management and communication methods.”
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