NASA tests autonomous software for future missions to Jupiter's moon Europa

NASA is developing advanced software to enable future missions to Jupiter's moon Europa and other ocean moons. This autonomous technology will allow robotic landers to identify and address hazards without waiting for commands from Earth. The software is being tested using a robotic arm at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and a virtual reality simulation at Ames Research Center. These tools help researchers simulate various scenarios, including technical failures and challenging terrain, to improve decision-making capabilities. Current missions, like the Europa Clipper and ESA's JUICE, are gathering data to inform future lander missions. The new autonomous systems aim to enhance the safety and effectiveness of these missions by allowing robots to adapt to unexpected conditions.