Germans tested unique robots for lunar exploration on Etna volcano

The German Aerospace Center tested unique robots for lunar exploration. The tests were conducted in Italy on the volcano Etna.

What we know

To be more precise, Germans tested four robots at once: all-terrain vehicle Scout, moon rover Interact and two light rovers (LRU 1 and LRU2). Volcano Etna was chosen as the test site due to its close to lunar conditions.

During the tests, LRU 1 and LRU 2 evaluated soil samples and scanned their composition. At the same time LRU 2 managed to distribute Wi-Fi. The rover is equipped with a device for laser spectroscopy. It can be used to find various elements in the plasma that is produced when a laser is applied to a soil sample.

The rover Interact on the Moon will be responsible for collecting material. To do so, it has been equipped with a camera and a robotic arm with haptic feedback. It is assumed that the gripper will allow scientists to "feel" rock samples from a natural Earth satellite. A reconnaissance drone will also travel to the Moon. It will explore the area and make a map for two rovers.

Source: DLR