NASA's new mini moon robots the size of hand luggage will create state-of-the-art 3D mapping
Published on Aug 04, 2023 at 11:27 AM (UTC-4)
by Alessandro Renesis
Last updated on Aug 07, 2023 at 11:30 AM (UTC-4)
Edited by
Alessandro Renesis
NASA is certainly keeping busy.
First, they launched a new streaming service called NASA+, then they said we’re going to Mars using nuclear-powered spacecraft.
And now they’re working on mini Moon rovers.
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They’re super tiny, around the same size as a carry-on suitcase.
The trio of miniature rovers aren’t just built for fun, by the way, they’re bona fide rovers that the world’s most famous space agency is planning to use as early as next year.
They’re due to arrive at the Moon aboard a lander in 2024.
Specifically, they’re expected to land on the Reiner Gamma region of the Moon.
Don’t let the size fool you because these Moon rovers are technically phenomenal, and fitted with state-of-the-art technology.
Each one is equipped with cameras and radar that can ‘penetrate’ the ground, and they’re solar-powered.
Yes, the irony of sending a solar-powered vehicle to the Moon isn’t lost on us.
But all levity aside, what they do is simple.
This is how it works: the mini Moon rover can drive to a sunbathing spot, at which point they open their solar panels and charge up.
“Our mission is to demonstrate that a network of a mobile robots can cooperate to accomplish a task without human intervention,” said NASA’s Jet Lab project manager Subha Comandur.
“The question for future missions will become, how many rovers do we send, and what will they do together?” Subha further explained.
The idea is to send these rovers to the Moon ahead in preparation for another manned expedition in the future.
The mission is part of NASA’s goal to get back to the Moon by the 2025, which would mark man’s return to the Moon after a 53-year hiatus.
Alessandro is an automotive journalist with 10 years of experience covering supercars, automotive history, emerging vehicle technology, and luxury transportation. He wrote the first article published on SupercarBlondie.com when the website launched in 2022 and has since built a reputation for insightful reporting across the automotive and transportation industries. His expertise is grounded in hands-on experience. Alessandro has driven every Tesla model ever produced, from the original Roadster to the Cybertruck, and regularly covers the latest developments in electric vehicles and automotive innovation. His passion for transportation extends beyond cars, he has even flown a Boeing 787 Dreamliner simulator in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. His reporting spans everything from classic American muscle cars and rare automotive discoveries to luxury yachts, private aircraft, high-end watches, and cutting-edge vehicle technology. Known for his deep knowledge of automotive history and ability to uncover the stories behind iconic vehicles, Alessandro brings readers a blend of historical context, technical expertise, and first-hand experience.
