NASA developing snake-like robot to explore Saturn moon

Saturn (Michael Buresh)

By Laurel Lee

NASA is preparing its latest creation for an eventual trip to space: a snake-like robot designed to explore the Saturn moon Enceladus.

The Exobiology Extant Life Surveyor, or EELS, is a 13-foot-long segmented robot that resembles a snake.

It’s capable of exploring various terrains including ground, water, and ice - all of which exist on the surface of Enceladus.

NASA is hoping to finish development of EELS by next fall.

Once it launches, it would take 12 years to reach its destination.

Because of its abundant water, Enceladus is considered one of the most likely sources of life in the solar system.