Abstract EANA2025-171

The TRIPLE project (Technologies for Rapid Ice Penetration and subglacial Lake Exploration) is a project line initiated by the German Space Agency at DLR, focusing on the development of a complex autonomous exploration system. On a medium time scale the TRIPLE system is foreseen for scientific utilization in terrestrial subglacial lakes and ocean environments. In addition, once the technology has been successfully demonstrated its capabilities in these terrestrial analog scenarios with respect to the Ocean Worlds of the outer solar system, it could become the required key technology for a future robotic space mission to explore these worlds. Thus, TRIPLE extends the currently given technological boundaries for astrobiological exploration, opening the door to future missions searching for extraterrestrial life on the Ocean Worlds. TRIPLE integrates three primary components: (i.) a melting probe designed for efficient ice penetration, being also a technology carrier for scientific in-situ sensors and payload, (ii.) a miniaturized Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (nanoAUV) for exploring subglacial water bodies and for taking samples and returning them to the melting probe, and (iii.) an Astrobiological Laboratory (AstroBioLab) for in-situ analysis of collected samples.

One of the project's key objectives is to conduct contamination-free explorations while collecting scientific data that enhances our understanding of habitability conditions in extreme environments. To achieve this goal, TRIPLE will undergo extensive testing in Antarctica's Dome C region — a terrestrial analog site that comes as close as possible to expected conditions on icy moons. In addition to its technological advancements, TRIPLE emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration among scientists specializing in astrobiology, glaciology, and robotics. By harnessing expertise from various fields, the project aims to refine methods for detecting biosignatures and understanding biogeochemical processes within subglacial ecosystems.

This contribution presents the overall TRIPLE project and current status. It focuses on the programmatic background of TRIPLE and includes the mission statement, objectives, requirements, and the given road map.