Bio-inspired probes have emerged as a promising solution for in-situ site characterisation, particularly in challenging terrains and extraterrestrial exploration. This study presents a viable and computationally efficient Material Point Method (MPM) framework for studying Bio-Inspired Cone Pressuremeter (BICP) probe mechanism. With its inherent advantage of particle and continuum frameworks, MPM allows seamless simulation of multi-staged BICP probe propulsion that involves large deformation. A novel implementation strategy was developed for this study to simulate the complex movement of the BICP probe in three sequential stages, including penetration, pressuremeter module expansion, and tip advancement. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to achieve an objective solution and determine the optimum mesh size and mass scaling factor for the BICP probe within the realms of current state-of-the-art MPM formulation. Furthermore, investigations were performed on the established MPM framework to study the influence of probe geometry, material state, and layered soil strata. The findings reveal that in probes with longer pressuremeter modules, larger zone of stress relaxation was observed around the cone tip during module expansion stage than their shorter or double-module counterparts. Meanwhile, the BICP probe's response during all stages in different material states corroborates its sensitivity to the soil's mechanical properties. Although the layered strata significantly influenced the BICP probe's response during the penetration and module expansion stages, it had minimal impact during the tip advancement stage.

The polar regions of Mars as well as the ice-covered moons such as Saturn's Enceladus and Jupiter's Europa have emerged as significant targets for ongoing and future space missions focused on investigating potentially habitable celestial bodies within our solar system. A key objective of these missions is to explore subglacial water reservoirs lying beneath the ice crusts of moons, such as Europa. The utilization of melting probes shows immense promise for achieving this goal. However, in addition to the capability to melt through the ice body, such a probe must also be able to identify the ice-water interface as well as obstacles in its path, such as cavities or meteoric rocks. To address these challenges, we present a forefield reconnaissance system (FRS) featuring a hybrid sensing approach that combines radar and sonar both integrated into the tip of a melting probe. Furthermore, the system includes an in situ permittivity sensor to ensure accurate radar range assignment and to gather scientific data about the ice body. The system has been integrated into a demonstrator melting probe and tested in a terrestrial analog scenario. Measurements at the Jungfraufirn in Switzerland confirm the potential of the developed system.

The quest for life on other planets is closely connected with the search for water in liquid state. Recent discoveries of deep oceans on icy moons like Europa and Enceladus have spurred an intensive discussion about how these waters can be accessed. The challenge of this endeavor lies in the unforeseeable requirements on instrumental characteristics both with respect to the scientific and technical methods. The TRIPLE/nanoAUV initiative is aiming at developing a mission concept for exploring exo-oceans and demonstrating the achievements in an earth-analogue context, exploring the ocean under the ice shield of Antarctica and lakes like Dome-C on the Antarctic continent.