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=SPARROW (spacecraft)= From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia SPARROW (sometimes written as S.P.A.R.R.O.W) is a proposed mission from NASA to explore the solar system's icy moons, such as Europa and Enceladus. S.P.A.R.R.O.W stands for "Steam Propelled Autonomous Retrieval Robot for Ocean Worlds". SPARROW is designed to hop around on the rugged, harsh terrains of moons such as Enceladus (moon of Saturn) and Europa (moon of Jupiter). Both of these moons are believed to to have liquid water below their surfaces, making them prime targets for scientific exploration. The landscape on these moons is relatively unknown, so NASA scientists designed a probe that would be able to navigate many different types of terrain.

SPARROW started as a project between NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Honeybee Robotics, and Purdue University.

In 2018, SPARROW was given stage one funding from the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program.

In 2019, NASA's JPL released a report of their study, including that Europa would be the main target for this expedition.

Design
The SPARROW spacecraft has two parts: The lander (which is stationary), and SPARROW (which moves). SPARROW travels around the area, and comes back to the lander when it has run out of water to propel itself with.

Lander
The lander is stationary, and SPARROW travels to it to get the melted ice that the lander provides. The lander drills into the icy surface of the moon, and takes the frozen H2O. Then, it would melt the ice into water, and transfer it to SPARROW when it returns. The lander has an arm that catches SPARROW after its controlled landing. This arm is also used to gather data from SPARROW.

The design of the lander has many benefits that make this mission easier. Having a lander that acquires fuel from the landscape of Europa allows the lander to not have to take on excess fuel. It also allows SPARROW to go on multiple expeditions, due to the fact that it can recharge.

SPARROW
The SPARROW probe includes features such as thrusters, avionics, and scientific instruments. Instead of being powered by rocket fuel, SPARROW propels itself using bursts of steam made from water. The probe is surrounded by a spherical cage which shelters it. . It's hopping style of movement allows it to reach scientifically interesting areas rapidly. Furthermore, it's cage and the fact that it does not rely on wheels makes it a good fit for navigating the terrain of aforementioned moons Europa and Enceladus.

Objectives
The SPARROW robot's main objectives are to evaluate the habitability of Europa's sub-surface ocean, and searching for extraterrestrial life and possible bio-signatures.