Science & Technology

NASA set to drop a robot in to a volcano

By T.K. Randall
January 9, 2015 ·  6 comments

NASA's Volcanobot exploring a lava tube. Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech Developed by researchers Carolyn Parcheta and Aaron Parness, the aptly named VolcanoBot 2 will attempt to explore deep inside the inhospitable tunnels and vents of an active volcano in Hawaii when it is deployed there some time in March.

Designed to withstand high temperatures and to be capable of maneuvering through tight spaces, the robot will go where no human explorer has ever been able to tread as it attempts to learn as much as possible about what goes on inside a volcano.NASA is hoping that one day it will be possible to conduct similar missions on Mars and on the moon where unexplored volcanic fissures could provide a wealth of new discoveries.

"In the last few years, NASA spacecraft have sent back incredible pictures of caves, fissures and what look like volcanic vents on Mars and the moon," said Parness.

"We don't have the technology yet to explore them, but they are so tantalizing!"

Source: Independent | Comments (6)

Tags: Volcano, Robot