---
title: Futuristic, Nuclear ‘Tunnelbot’ Aims to Solve Solar System Mystery
description: University of Illinois at Chicago scientists are developing a nuclear-powered “tunnelbot” designed to penetrate the icy surface of Jupiter’s moon Europa. The probe would have to make its way through 2 to 30 km of ice, then turn on its instruments and send data on the planet and any signs of life back to earth.
---

[Fluid Systems Engineering & Management Blog | Swagelok NorCal ](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/blog)

# [Futuristic, Nuclear ‘Tunnelbot’ Aims to Solve Solar System Mystery](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/blog/futuristic-nuclear-tunnelbot-aims-to-solve-solar-system-mystery)

 Written by [Jeff Hopkins](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/blog/author/jeff-hopkins) | 4/9/19 4:00 PM

University of Illinois at Chicago scientists are developing a **nuclear-powered “tunnelbot” designed to penetrate the icy surface of Jupiter’s moon Europa**. The probe would have to make its way through 2 to 30 km of ice, then turn on its instruments and send data on the planet and any signs of life back to earth.

[Read the full article on *S**ilicon Republic* →](https://www.siliconrepublic.com/machines/nuclear-tunnelbot-europa)

[View full post](https://northerncal.swagelok.com/blog/futuristic-nuclear-tunnelbot-aims-to-solve-solar-system-mystery)

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