NASA is pushing ahead with plans to explore Jupiter’s moon of Europa by engineering small underwater robots that would travel into the subsurface ocean in search of possible life. In September 2024, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory carried out a series of demonstrations of various prototypes of those robots, with an eye toward future space exploration missions.
What Can These Miniature Robots Do?
The SWIM robots-no larger than a cellphone-were tested in a controlled swimming pool at CalTech. Each robot is propelled by propellers and steered with flaps, enabling it to swim independently and explore underwater. The prototypes have shown outstanding capabilities; they can follow a given course, change course, and even perform difficult patterns of exploration. When deployed on Europa, these robots would be dispatched to the moon’s subsurface ocean in search of life, relying on their sensors to detect chemical and temperature fluctuations.
How are Simulations Helping the SWIM Project?
Along with physical testing, the SWIM team also conducted computer simulations to further fine-tune their technology. These simulations reproduced the harsh oceanic conditions of Europa, enabling the robots to search for life and gather scientific data in a virtual environment. Using the results, the team developed algorithms that optimize exploration efficiency, balancing battery life, the area covered, and the number of robots needed. The goal is to make sure that when the robots are deployed, they can gather as much data as possible within their operational limits.
What is the Future of SWIM Robots?
While the main goal of the SWIM robots is to study the hidden ocean of Europa, such robots can have very serious applications right here on Earth. Their small size and advanced sensors make them ideal for oceanographic research, especially in polar regions where traditional exploration methods are difficult. They could help scientists monitor underwater environments, study ice-covered ecosystems, and gather crucial data for climate research.
