Exobiology Extant Life Surveyor
| Exobiology Extant Life Surveyor | |
|---|---|
 Version 1.0 on ice rink (Courtesy NASA/JPL-Caltech) | |
| Owner | Jet Propulsion Laboratory |
| Manufacturer | Jet Propulsion Laboratory |
| Specifications | |
| Dimensions | 4 m (13 ft) long |
| Dry mass | 100 kg (220 lb) |
Exobiology Extant Life Surveyor, (also called EELS)[1] is a vehicle originally designed to explore the surface and the oceans of Enceladus, a moon of Saturn.[2] The JPL has also referred to the possibility of using EELS to explore locations such as lunar lava tubes,[1][3] Mars's polar caps, and Earth's ice sheets.[4][5]
It uses multiple segments containing actuation, propulsion, power and, communication electronics.[5] The segments use corkscrews to move across the ground.[1] These corkscrews can act as propellers while underwater.[5]
As of 11 May 2023[update], 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
[edit]- ^ 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.
- ^ Howells, Kate (8 August 2024). "How EELS could change the future of robotic exploration". The Planetary Society. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ a b c "Exobiology Extant Life Surveyor (EELS)". Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Archived from the original on May 15, 2023. Retrieved May 15, 2023.
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