'Space drones' being used to explore lava tubes in Iceland could help NASA detect life on Mars

Technology used to map the interior of Icelandic lava tubes could be used to explore deep caves on Mars and the moon, scientists say. 'Space drones', or LiDAR-equipped drones, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, are currently used to examine the lava tube's shape and its ice formations. The team, from the SETI Institute and Astrobotic Technology, was investigating the Lofthellir Lava Tube Ice Cave in the remote Myvatn region of Iceland. Scientists are hoping to use the same technology used to map the interior of Icelandic lava tubes to explore deep caves on Mars. SETI's mission is to explore and examine the origin and nature of life in the universe.