robotic rover

Nasa is considering a proposal to develop a soft-robotic rover for planetary missions, including exploring gas-bearing moons such as Europa.

The proposed rover will look like an eel, and will feature a short antenna that generates power from locally changing magnetic fields.

The technology will facilitate the missions that do not support conventional power systems, Nasa said.

The soft-robotic rover is part of 15 proposals selected as part of phase one of the Nasa innovative advanced concepts (NIAC) programme.

NIAC is designed to transform science fiction into science fact using advanced technologies.

The proposed concepts are said to have potential to accelerate the agency’s planned exploration beyond low-Earth orbit and missions to an asteroid and Mars, among others.

Nasa space technology mission directorate associate administrator Steve Jurczyk said: "The latest NIAC selections include a number of exciting concepts.

"We are working with American innovators to reimagine the future of aerospace and focus our investments on concepts to address challenges of current interests both in space and here on Earth."

The projects will initially receive around $100,000 grants, to conduct basic feasibility studies of their concepts following which they will be moved to two additional years of concept development and will be granted up to $500,000, as part of phase two of the programme.

"We are working with American innovators to reimagine the future of aerospace and focus our investments on concepts to address challenges of current interests both in space and here on Earth."

NIAC programme executive Jason Derleth said: "We look forward to seeing how each new study will push boundaries and explore new approaches, that’s what makes NIAC unique."

One of the proposed projects intends to test two glider-like unmanned aerial vehicles connected by an ultra-strong cable that sail without propulsion at different altitudes.

Similar to a kite surfer, the upper aircraft will provide lift and aerodynamic thrust using the wind shear in the lower stratosphere, while the lower aircraft will generate an upwind force to keep it from drifting downwind.

If successful, the atmospheric satellite will facilitate Nasa’s Earth science missions, monitoring capabilities or aircraft navigation.

The cryogenic reservoir inventory by cost-effective kinetically enhanced technology (CRICKET) proposal will explore for water and other compounds in permanently shadowed regions on planetary bodies, to develop a high-resolution map to assist in using these resources.

Image: An artistic view of soft-robotic rover for planetary missions. Photo: courtesy of Nasa / Cornell University / NSF.