NASA proposes using a robot eel to explore Europe

Europe is a very interesting place to do all kinds of research. Nevertheless, all this is associated with a number of difficulties, among which the remoteness of Europe from the Earth is not the main problem. The fact is that the most interesting area to study is the ice, and getting under the ice of Europe, which is many kilometers thick, is not an easy task. In addition, when it gets under ice (it is assumed that there is liquid water there), the device should prepare for a long swim with the simultaneous study of the most interesting places.

The device needs energy, which requires quite a lot to maintain this kind of system. NASA proposes using a flexible robot , similar to an eel, that would receive energy from local magnetic fields. Such a robot will be equipped with a special antenna and "tentacles" on the back, which will simultaneously collect the energy of dynamic magnetic fields and serve as a means of transportation.

It should be noted that this project was selected by NASA from the 15 most interesting projects submitted by NIAC program participants. In the first phase of the program, winners were awarded money, with a total fund of $ 100,000. If the concepts presented by the authors (for example, such as a robot-eel) can show their viability for 9 months, the authors of such projects will be rewarded again. This time the total amount of the prize fund is $ 500,000.
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The projects themselves concern not only the exploration of Europe, but the entire outer space. For example, one of the projects, which was called CRICKET, suggests estimating the reserves of water, hydrogen, and nitrogen on cold planets and satellites. Here the device is not one, it is proposed to use the whole system of robots-tractors, special balls and jumping systems.

Another project - a system of two UAVs, which are connected by a cable. The upper apparatus provides lifting traction, and the second apparatus does not allow the system to reduce the height. The authors believe that such a bunch of UAVs can work without landing for many years.

A complete list of projects proposed by NIAC program members can be found at this link .