EELS- Exobiology Extant Life Surveyor

April 22, 2023

NASA is developing a snake-like robot – EELS – which can boost space exploration through its diverse adaptability to various terrains.
EELS is capable of exploring internal and enclosed dynamic terrain structures to assess evidence for life.
The EELS architecture is a snake-like, self-propelled robot and 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.
It’s special focus is on Encaladus, the sixth largest moon of Saturn.
Besides Enceladus, EELS system can explore Martian polar caps and descending crevasses in Earth’s ice sheets.