Europe has come up with throwing three robots into a volcanic lava tube, and now colonizing the moon or Mars is closer
European researchers are advancing space colonization efforts through innovative robotic exploration of volcanic lava tubes. A recent experiment in Lanzarote, involving three distinct autonomous robots, successfully navigated a lava tube, demonstrating the viability of such environments for future off-world bases. This development is crucial for overcoming the harsh conditions of celestial bodies like the Moon and Mars, bringing humanity closer to establishing a presence beyond Earth. The experiment, detailed in *Science Robotics*, focused on characterizing the underground environment of a lava tube without reliance on GPS or sunlight. One robot acted as a scout, mapping the entrance, while another, equipped with cameras, descended into the void. A third robot rappelled deeper, venturing 235 meters into darkness. This autonomous, multi-robot approach is key to exploring these vast, naturally shielded subterranean structures. These lava tubes offer strategic advantages for human settlement due to their natural protection against extreme temperatures, radiation, and meteoroid impacts. Their existence on the Moon and Mars makes them prime candidates for seeking signs of past or present life and for establishing sheltered bases. The successful navigation and mapping of the Lanzarote tube by these robots pave the way for future missions to assess similar formations on other planets.
Curated and translated by Europe Digital for our multilingual European audience.
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