Scientists Test NASA's Robotic Submarine

Last Edited: Friday, 15 Feb 2008
MADISON, Wis. -- A robotic submarine that will eventually be used to explore a moon that orbits Jupiter is being tested in Madison's Lake Mendota.

The saucer-shaped submersible known as Endurance is cruising the icy depths of the city's largest lake this week at part of two million dollar project funded by NASA.

Engineer Bill Stone of Texas-based Shackleton Energy Company designed and built the deep-diving robot for NASA.

Endurance will eventually be used to explore the frozen oceans on Europa, but that could take another 20 years.

Between now and then scientists will work on its mapmaking abilities, first in Lake Mendota and then next year in a 130-foot deep frozen lake in Antarctica.