TRIPLE (Technologies for Rapid Ice Penetration and Subglacial Lake Exploration) is a project funded by the DLR (German Space Agency), involving 13 universities, research institutes, and companies. The goal is to develop technologies for the exploration of subglacial lakes in Antarctica. The long-term goal is the exploration of ice moons in the outer solar system (Jupiter’s moon Europa and Saturn’s moon Enceladus).
The sub-project Triple IceCraft-2 develops a melting sonde that penetrates several kilometers of ice to reach a subglacial lake, deploying a miniaturized autonomous underwater vehicle. Project partners include RWTH Aachen and GSI – Company for Systems Development and Instrumentation. The underwater vehicle explores the area and collects samples and data, which are analyzed afterwards. The melting sonde will be used in two upcoming Antarctic missions. One key element of HAW is the development and deployment of a renewable energy system for an upcoming mission near Neumayer III research station. Wind, solar, and battery systems will be combined. In addition, a feasibility study for an almost 100% regenerative concept for a research mission near Dome C is part of the project, considering airborne wind energy systems. These are especially promising for mobile missions, as their weight and material costs can be up to 90% lower than those of conventional wind turbines.
