Hopping Robots: The Future of Space Exploration #

Apollo mission astronauts discovered that hopping was an effective way to move on the moon’s surface, where gravity is one-sixth of Earth’s. Today, robots are taking inspiration from this technique for space exploration.

One such robot is SpaceHopper, a three-legged device designed for exploring microgravity environments like asteroid surfaces. Developed by university students, it propels itself by bending its legs and stabilizes in midair by moving its limbs, similar to a falling cat.

This technology could be crucial for future space missions, especially in dangerous environments where human exploration is risky. SpaceHopper could be equipped with various sensors to gather information about asteroids, potentially aiding in future space mining operations.

While leaping locomotion has been used in asteroid exploration before, the developers of SpaceHopper claim it allows for more controlled movement. The robot was trained using reinforcement learning, enabling it to make decisions based on trial and error.

SpaceHopper underwent weightlessness testing during parabolic flights, demonstrating its jumping and reorientation skills. The success of these tests has led to the development of a new robot called LunarLeaper, based on SpaceHopper’s design.

LunarLeaper, a 10-kilogram tripod robot, has been selected as a contender for lunar exploration. It could be used to explore a pit on the moon thought to be connected to a subsurface lava tube. Some scientists believe these lava tubes could potentially house future lunar bases, offering protection from the harsh lunar environment.

The development of these hopping robots represents a significant step forward in space exploration technology. They could play a crucial role in preparing for future human missions and potentially aid in establishing a permanent human presence beyond Earth.