SWIM (Sensing With Independent Micro Swimmers) is a concept mission proposed by Ethan Schaler, an engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, to study underwater life on planets.
Life on Europa & Enceladus
Scientists have already determined the presence of oceans under the icy crust of Europa and Enceladus. The SWIM concept aims to find life under these uncharted alien waters.
About the robots
NASA envisions wedge-shaped robots about 5-inch long and 3 to 5-cubic inches in volume. Around 48 of them will be packed in a cryobot which will help create a path for the robots.
Robots will collect key data
Every swimbot will have a propulsion system, onboard computer, communications system, along with sensors for temperature, salinity, acidity, and pressure measurement.