Editor’s note: When we start to mount Astrobiology missions to explore ocean worlds we’ll need ways for our robotic submersibles to observe and interact with whatever life forms they may encounter. We’re going to our droids to be as smart and self-reliant as possible. How we study our own living water world is the perfect place to plan for future, offworld missions when it comes to detecting and characterizing life on the planet below. Of special importance to astrobiology expeditions are the plans being formulated for the exploration of icy ocean worlds in our own star system such as Enceladus, Europa, Ganymede and beyond – and the necessary role that autonomous submersibles will play. The folks at MBARI lead the way in developing new ways to reach remote regions of our water world.
[MBARI]. Expedition goal: During this six-day expedition aboard MBARI’s flagship research vessel David Packard, members of the Bioinspiration Lab will use innovative imaging technologies to study the morphology and biomechanics of marine life. Data from this expedition will be shared with collaborators in the Deep Ocean Inspiration Group to advance understanding of animal biomechanics for bioinspired design.
- Expedition dates: August 19–24, 2026
- Ship: R/V David Packard
- Location: Monterey Canyon, Sur Ridge
- Research technology: DeepPIV, EyeRIS, FathomNet Database, FathomVerse, Multi-view Macro Imaging Systems, Particle Image Velocimetry System, ROV Doc Ricketts, Tabletop 3D Reconstruction System, Telecentric Imaging System
Astrobiology, oceanography, Away Team,
