New NASA Technology Concept for Exploring Ocean Worlds in Our Solar System

New NASA Technology Concept for Exploring Ocean Worlds in Our Solar System

SWIM | Sensing with Independent Micro-swimmers: Researchers are working on a mission concept that could change the way we explore alien ocean worlds like Europa, Enceladus, and Titan and answer the question: Are we alone in the universe? The SWIM (Sensing with Independent Micro-swimmers) concept consists of dozens of small, 3D-printed swimming micro-robots (micro-swimmers) equipped with sensors. Deployed individually or as a swarm from a single robot mothercraft, the micro-swimmers would actively sample ocean water and measure desired ocean properties, habitability metrics, and potential biomarkers. These capabilities would enable scientists to better understand the alien ocean’s composition and habitability.

NASA 360 takes a look at the NASA Innovative Advanced Concept (NIAC) called SWIM, a revolutionary idea for exploring ocean worlds. 

To learn more visit: https://go.nasa.gov/3JtXJck & https://go.nasa.gov/3NxiSpI

To watch the in-depth presentation about this topic please visit the 2022 NIAC Symposium Livestream site: https://bit.ly/40ktP0L (SWIM talk begins at 4:35:25)

To learn more about NASA’s Innovative Advanced Concepts program visit: https://www.nasa.gov/niac

Credit: NASA Technology/NASA360

Duration: 1 minute

Release Date: June 23, 2023

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