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Exobiology Extant Life Surveyor

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Exobiology Extant Life Surveyor
Version 1.0 on ice rink (Courtesy NASA/JPL-Caltech)
OwnerJet Propulsion Laboratory
ManufacturerJet Propulsion Laboratory
Specifications
Dimensions4 m (13 ft) long
Dry mass100 kg (220 lb)

Exobiology Extant Life Surveyor, also called EELS[1] is a vehicle designed to explore locations such as lunar lava tubes,[1][2] Mars's polar caps, Earth's ice sheets, and the primary target being Enceladus's oceans.[3][4]

It uses multiple segments containing actuation, propulsion, power and, communication electronics.[4] The segments use corkscrews to move across the ground.[1] These corkscrews can act as propellers while underwater.[4]

As of 11 May 2023, the current version (1.0) weighs approximately 100 kg (220 lb), and is 4 m (13 ft) or 10 segments long. EELS has no scientific instruments, uses stereo cameras and Lidar, and it uses a tether for power and communications.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Vigliarolo, Brandon (May 11, 2023). "NASA tests bot built to slither across, and beneath, alien worlds' ice". The Register. Archived from the original on May 14, 2023. Retrieved May 15, 2023.
  2. ^ Wickens, Katie (18 May 2023). "NASA's working on a wiggly snake-like autonomous Rover alternative to 'boldly go where no robot has gone before'". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on 18 May 2023. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
  3. ^ "A robot snake could help NASA scientists make contact with alien life". StudyFinds. 17 April 2023. Archived from the original on 26 April 2023. Retrieved 20 May 2023.
  4. ^ a b c "Exobiology Extant Life Surveyor (EELS)". Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Archived from the original on May 15, 2023. Retrieved May 15, 2023.