Technologies for rapid ice penetration and subglacial lake exploration; Akronym: TRIPLE-nanoAUV 1; Teilprojektname: nanoAUV GNC, Einschmelzsonde und Basisstation

Abstract

The TRIPLE project aims to explore subglacial water worlds on moons of the outer solar system and search for life. A terrestrial mission in Antarctica is set to demonstrate the developed technologies by investigating a subglacial lake in the Dome-C region. The TRIPLE system comprises a semi-autonomous melting probe, a fully autonomous mini-submarine (nanoAUV), and an AstroBioLab for sample analysis. In the project's first phase, TRIPLE-nanoAUV 1, a concept for these three components was developed. The interdisciplinary TRIPLE consortium brings engineering, geosciences, natural sciences, mathematics, and computer science experts together. The melting probe is designed to penetrate the 3.3 km thick ice sheet and release the nanoAUV, which will then conduct measurements, mapping, and sampling in subglacial lakes. After exploration, the entire system and the samples will be safely returned to the surface for analysis in the AstroBioLab, focusing on biosignatures. In Phase I, concepts for relevant subsystems were created, focusing on the development of the nanoAUV, including its design, propulsion systems, and mission planning. Implementation concepts for manufacturing and qualification were developed. The software architecture for the Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) system of the nanoAUV was designed and partially demonstrated, emphasizing miniaturizing sensors and the onboard computer (OBC).