Lunar Lava Tube Exploration

Lava tubes on the Moon represent an enticing location for establishing lunar habitats. In addition to providing protection from radiation and meteorites, lunar lava tubes have a stable temperature range compared to surface conditions. These characteristics will allow the building of safe, yet economical habitats in lava tubes. However, we must first explore and categorize lava tubes before establishing the first settlements in them. One likely platform for enabling this exploration is via the Moon Diver mission and the tethered Axel rover.

Josh SchertzApril 17, 2019moon, science, roboticsComment

Asteroid Exploration with an AMIGO

Surveying the surface of asteroids is challenging. Asteroids of interest are often millions of kilometers away from Earth, have milli-gravity, and have variable lighting and surface conditions. Yet surface information is essential for planning resource exploration missions to them. A recently proposed semi-inflatable robot operating in a swarm may excel in this environment.

Josh SchertzFebruary 12, 2019asteroid, robotics, engineering, landerComment

Where Did Chang'e 4 Go?

The China National Space Administration (CNSA) has successfully landed Chang’e 4 on the far side of the Moon. This is the first time a human made spacecraft has landed on the far side. However, what exactly is the far side of the Moon and what do they expect to find there? In short, unique terrain that can answer fundamental questions about lunar and Solar System evolution.

SpacecraftJosh SchertzJanuary 15, 2019article, moon, china, robotics, science Comments

Honeybee Robotics Demonstrates WINE

Kris Zacny of Honeybee Robotics made an exciting announcement on New Year’s Eve 2018; the successful demonstration of their WINE (the World Is Not Enough) spacecraft in vacuum. This prototype demonstration extracting water from asteroid simulants, heating it up to create steam, and using that steam for launching the system up. This prototype is paving the way for missions to eventually extract water from asteroids and return it to Earth orbit.

MiningAdam HugoJanuary 3, 2019article, robotics, asteroid, engineering, asteroid miningComment

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