NASA has introduced futuristic robots to explore the underwater worlds on Jupiter's moon Europa and Saturn's moon Enceladus.These robots will help scientists learn more about these mysterious moons.

The prototype, made by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), is called SWIM (Sensing With Independent Micro-swimmers). It could revolutionize exploration of the hidden oceans beneath the icy surfaces of moons like Europa and Enceladus.The robot weighs over 2 kg and is about 16.5 inches long and is currently being tested in a pool.

"Exploring alien oceans with tiny robots? These prototypes could pave the way for such a reality! A futuristic mission concept called SWIM envisions a swarm of cellphone-size robots that could explore the oceans beneath icy moons' shells, said NASA JPL on X.

It further said, they have a goal to deliver various such tiny self-propelled robots which are three times smaller in comparison to the existing autonomous underwater vehicles and look for temperature and chemical signals that can point to life.

The prototype consist of communication and GPS system to help it navigate underwater. It also has tools to study the chemicals in the oceans. NASA JPL has shared a video of the test of the prototype which shows its working mechanism. Currently, it is just a concept that needs funds for further development.

Mission in Jupiter’s moon

Scientists have become very interested in the moons of planets in the outer solar system after finding signs of hidden oceans on moons like Europa, Enceladus, Titan, and Ariel. They believe these oceans might have the right conditions for life. Because of this, NASA and ESA are exploring these moons.

In April, ESA's Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) spacecraft launched to study Europa, Callisto, and Ganymede. Soon after, NASA's Europa Clipper probe will closely examine Europa.

In the early 2030s, both the JUICE and Europa Clipper missions will begin when their spacecraft reach their destinations.

NASA has also planned another mission to study Saturn's moon Titan, which is believed to have a subsurface ocean. The Dragonfly mission will send a drone to fly over Titan and search for signs of "prebiotic" conditions that could have helped life start in our solar system.