NASA scientists are determined to search for extraterrestrial life on Enceladus, the frozen moon of Saturn. However, reaching this distant and challenging terrain is a daunting task due to its vast distance from Earth and difficult terrain. To overcome these obstacles, NASA has developed a unique robot called EELS (Exobiology Extant Life Surveyor).
The EELS robot is a snake-shaped robot that has demonstrated its ability to navigate narrow spaces and descend vertically, similar to the conditions on Enceladus. Equipped with cameras, sensors, and a laser-based mapping system, EELS can explore inaccessible places and make independent decisions without human interaction. The robot was designed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and weighs around 100 kilos while measuring 4 meters long. It has 48 motors and a modular body with spiral connectors for propulsion.
NASA envisions using EELS not only on Enceladus but also in cave-like structures on the Moon. The ultimate goal is to send EELS to Saturn via spacecraft in the next twelve years. In the meantime, NASA continues to improve the robot’s design and functionality for optimal performance in extraterrestrial environments.
Despite these challenges, NASA remains committed to advancing our understanding of extraterrestrial life through robotic exploration of planets like Enceladus.
