What is the Exobiology Extant Life Surveyor (EELS)?

26-08-2023

12:00 PM

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1 min read
What is the Exobiology Extant Life Surveyor (EELS)? Blog Image

Overview:

US space agency NASA, is developing a snake-like robot known as Exobiology Extant Life Surveyor (EELS) which it says can boost space exploration through its diverse adaptability to various terrains.

About Exobiology Extant Life Surveyor (EELS):

  • What is it? It is a mobile instrument platform conceived to explore internal terrain structures, assess habitability and ultimately search for evidence of life
  • It is designed to be adaptable to traverse ocean-world-inspired terrain, fluidized media, enclosed labyrinthian environments and liquids.
  • It is a snake-like robot that that can move through rough terrain.
  • Its purpose is to examine the surface of Saturn's moon and determine whether life is present.
  • EELS allows for deeper exploration into areas that were once unattainable.
  • Features:
    • It is made of multiple, identical, segments containing both the actuation and propulsion mechanisms as well as the power and communication electronics to drive them.
    • EELS uses first-of-a-kind rotating propulsion units that act as tracks, gripping mechanisms and propeller units underwater, enabling the robot to access a plume vent exit and follow it to its ocean source.

 


Q1) How many moon does Saturn has?

Saturn has 83 moons. Sixty-three moons are confirmed and named, and another 20 moons are awaiting confirmation of discovery and official naming by the International Astronomical Union (IAU).

Source: NASA Develops Snake-like Robot EELS, To Be Deployed On Saturn's Moon In Search Of Life