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What does NASA want to use to remotely explore Mars?

Answer: A swarm of robot bees.

It’s probably safe to assume that these bees won’t try to sting you.

Called Marsbees, researchers with NASA are reportedly looking into developing the robotic critters in order to cover more ground on the Red Planet while reducing the stress that its surface imposes on traditional rovers. The bees would also be able to explore parts of the planet where rovers are unable to travel.

The Marsbees would use a rover like a hive, leaving from and returning to it to recharge and upload data. The bees themselves would only be about the size of a regular Earth bumblebee, but they would have wings as large as a cicada’s. Research indicates that an enlarged wingspan would be necessary for the Marsbees to take flight in Mars’ unique atmosphere.

Kate is a senior copy editor in Northern California. She holds a bachelor's degree in English with a minor in professional writing from the University of California, Davis.