Cornell University researchers proposed the use of a squid-like rover to explore Jupiter's moon, Europa, which is believed to be covered in sea salt, in a recent study published on Tuesday.

NASA commissioned Robert Shepherd and Mason Peck of Cornell to design a rover that can explore Europa's icy crust and the seas beneath it, according to reports.

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Scientists recently found out that the dark streaks on Europa's surface could be sea salt exposed to radiation, thus the discoloration. To better understand this feature, NASA planned to launch an exploration mission in 2020.

Backed by a series of grants, Shepherd and Peck thought that squid-like tentacles could propel the proposed rover, which also has the ability to harness power from local magnetic fields.

In contrast, rovers used in Mars will not work as they are solar-powered. Such equipment cannot work too far from the sun and on surfaces with layers of ice, salt and sediments.

The squid-like rover is part of a 2020 plan to explore Europa with proper equipment. NASA originally proposed only a flyby mission to Jupiter's icy moon, but the team considers probing the surface as well.

The team believes that the project would advance soft robotics in the area of space exploration.

Moreover, they aim to evaluate the possibility of life powered by electromagnetism. They theorize that if plant need to absorb sunlight to grow, organisms could absorb ambient energy instead.

"Once we have those answers, we can tackle the bigger question about life in the ocean beneath Europa's ice shell," NASA's Outer Planets Program scientist Curt Niebur said.

Jupiter's moon Europa has a crust covered in ice, but beneath it is water. Scientists want to know if the presence of salty water beneath the icy crust is a condition that could support life.

TagsSpace, Cornell University, NASA, Europa, Jupiter, moon, rover