In the not-too-distant future, the search for signs of life on Mars and the moon could see the next generation of robots exploring a new frontier: subsurface lava tubes. These missions could also help us determine the best locations for establishing human bases.
To see whether this could be feasible, scientists tested three autonomous robots in a lava cave on the Spanish island of Lanzarote.
Lava tubes are deep underground caves formed by volcanic activity and are found in various parts of the world, as well as on Mars and the moon. These cavernous spaces could offer protection from the harsh environment of space, such as extreme temperatures, radiation and bombardment from meteorites. This means they may not only harbor existing life but could also serve as ideal locations for manned lunar and Martian bases.
Human exploration of these tubes is risky, expensive and currently unfeasible. Robots are a safer, more cost-effective option. "A heterogeneous cooperative robot team is a promising approach to address the access and exploration of extraterrestrial lava caves," wrote the researchers in a paper published in Science Robotics that describes their work on Lanzarote.
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