Scientists have demonstrated a submersible for exploring extraterrestrial subglacial oceans

Although Saturn's moon Enceladus and Jupiter's moon Europa are covered in ice, it is believed that oceans may exist beneath their frozen crust. In the near future, special underwater vehicles like TRIPLE-nanoAUV 2 will allow this to be confirmed. This is a project for a miniature unmanned station to search for life on other planets.

Apparatus develops MARUM Center for Marine Environmental Sciences at the German University of Bremen. TRIPLE in the name stands for Technologies for Rapid Ice Penetration and subglacial Lake Exploration or “technology for rapid penetration under ice and exploration of subglacial lakes.” And AUV is an existing abbreviation for Autonomous Underwater Vehicle.

This complex name hides a miniature torpedo-shaped drone that will be about 50 cm long and 10 cm wide. It is assumed that upon reaching the alien ice crust, TRIPLE-nanoAUV 2 will begin diving using a special melting probe. Following it will be a cylindrical docking station, which will be connected to the lander on the surface.

Once TRIPLE-nanoAUV 2 passes through the ice, it will begin autonomously exploring the surrounding ocean, collecting data using cameras and a variety of sensors. At regular intervals it will return to the suspended docking station, recharging their batteries and transmitting the recorded data to the landing module, which will then transmit it to Earth.

The TRIPLE-nanoAUV 2 system is scheduled to be tested under the Antarctic ice shelf near Neumayer III station in the spring of 2026.

Who knows, maybe one day we'll see similar video from another planet.