Robots exploring ocean worlds.

Imagine an army of small underwater robots diving into the dark depths of the subterranean oceans of icy moons like Europa, searching for signs of extraterrestrial life, yes I know, a lot of the things we see here sound like science fiction, but that's exactly what the NASA is developing it at JPL's Jet Propulsion Laboratory where a prototype of this futuristic concept was recently tested in a Caltech pool.

This project called SWIM envisions a swarm of microbots capable of operating autonomously in extreme environments. The idea is simple but brilliant to use a cryo robot capable of melting the thick ice of moons like Europa to release dozens of small swimming robots in an underground ocean, There these robots would analyze the water in search of chemical, thermal and biological signs of life.

That's important because Europa, Jupiter's moon, has a vast ocean hidden under its icy crust, considered one of the most promising places to find life outside of Earth. These robots are in prototype phase, 3D printed with lightweight plastics and equipped with components. Low-cost electronic devices demonstrated advanced maneuvers, powered by small propellers and controlled by autonomous algorithms, performed precise movements essential to cover large exploration areas.

To ensure their recovery in cases where engineers attached the robots to fishing lines and ran alongside the pool with rods in hand, computer simulations complemented the practical tests by placing virtual versions of the robots in environments that simulate the extreme conditions of Europe. , in these simulations the robots calculated the best way to explore unknown areas by collecting data while maximizing battery usage and covering large volumes of water.

The tested prototypes measured approximately 42 cm long but the final version for space missions will be three times smaller than the size of the palm of a hand. These mini explorers will have advanced sensors to measure temperature, pressure, chemical composition and a few other things, all in real time.

One of the most exciting advances came from a collaboration with Georgia Tech where researchers created a microscopic sensor capable of integrating various essential measurements on a single chip, this miniaturization is fundamental such to be viable the simultaneous operation of dozens of robots in extreme environments.

Although there are still a few years left before these robots are ready for a Real Mission, the SWIM project represents a revolutionary approach to space exploration, and its applications go far beyond the icy moons, these robots could be used right here on Earth to explore the deep oceans, study polar melting or even monitor underwater environments in real time.

The next big exploration opportunity will be the arrival of the Europa Clipper to the Jupiter system in 2030. This recently launched spacecraft will carry cutting-edge scientific instruments to study the surface and surroundings of Europa, but we can already imagine a future in which the project SWIM complements these missions by diving directly into the ocean of this Mysterious moon.

With this technology, NASA is one step closer to answering one of humanity's biggest questions: are we alone in the universe.

Thank you for visiting my blog. If you like posts about #science, #planet, #politics, #rights #crypto, #traveling and discovering secrets and beauties of the #universe, feel free to Follow me as these are the topics I write about the most. Have a wonderful day and stay on this great platform :) :)

! The truth will set us free and science is the one that is closest to the truth!