Gizmodo: lunar

NASA's ATHLETE Hex-Legged Lunar Robots Now Work in Pairs

Kit Eaton — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EDT

We've shown you NASA's neat ATHLETE robots before and it looks like the little hexapod machines have been getting more sophisticated. This vid of two ATHLETEs collaborating to lift a heavy habitat load onto the ground sent faint Matrix-esque shivers down my spine. NASA is taking development of the robots seriously, as it turns out their multiple-wheeled dexterity make them perfect for carrying mobile habitats across the rocky, uneven lunar terrain. They've even been discussed in the most recent mission planning, so they really might be trotting-rolling across the Moon's surface in a short bunch of years. Next up for ATHLETE: a mock mobile lunar base trial. [NASA and New Scientist]

NASA Lunar Chariot Tested by NYT Earthling (Verdict: Best Rims in Outer Space)

Haroon Malik — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EDT

NASA's Lunar Chariot, which costs a reported $2 million to build, has just been tested by the NYT. The top speed of 15 mph may not set tarmac on fire, but it sure as hell can burn a truckload of astro stuff, all with it's six-wheeled wackiness trailing closely behind. The front driving "turret" houses the primary control; a joystick for steering, as well as various cameras and sensors, the feedback of which is relayed to the onboard screen. John Schwartz, the NYT reporter sent out to run the test, didn't get to drive the buggy itself, but he was offered the passenger's seat / stand, and here's what he made of it.

• It navigated seemingly challenging terrain with relative ease, even if the ride was not so smooth for the passenger.
• The motion of the vehicle was a little disconcerting, as it didn't move in a conventional manner; climbing, sliding and dropping in an apparent erratic manner.
• The six wheels could be controlled independently to navigate really, really challenging space spots.
• The suspension is souped up to the galactic brim; the chassis can be raised a whopping, 28-inches in height.
• It's freaking mahoosive, weighing in at 4,500 pounds it is far too large to make it to the moon in its current state.
• The Lunar Chariot is using commercial parts—a cheap webcam and Earth-car grade tires that would never make the final draft, and neither would they survive out in the big old vacuum.

So, the Chariot is a long way off being the cruiser of choice for space travelers. Nevertheless, the test proves it is bad-ass; we're thinking we could use one right here on Earth. Now, to raise that $2 million purchase fee, as well as a ten-man design crew. Hmm, it's back to our crapmobile, me thinks. [NYT]

NASA's New Glorious 3D Moon Map to Help Next Lunar Landings

Kit Eaton — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 08:37:20 EST

When astronauts return to the Moon in a few years they'll be using NASA's new 3D lunar maps. Produced using Earth-based radar measurements, the maps of the south polar region show details as small as 60 feet across and record heights to within 15 feet&mdash 30 times more accurate than previous surveys.

Hopefully this will ensure there's no repeat of Neil Armstrong's last minute search for a landing site for Eagle. More videos of the new maps are available via New Scientist. [New Scientist]

Lunar Astronauts To Have Mobile Phone Service

Eric Sheline — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 14:40:41 EST

NASA will definitely beat the Mt. Everest phone calls when they launch mobile phone service on the moon around 2012. Their MoonLite system will link astronauts, the lunar base and Earth via satellite. Even though there is over four years until launch, the service will only have a speed of 3kbps down/2kbps up. One small call for man...ah forget it. [Silicon.com via Newlaunches]

NASA Chariot Lunar Rover Looks Like Something I Made With LEGOs When I Was 8

Wilson Rothman — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 20:00:00 EST

I can't say for certain how NASA comes up with its designs for lunar rovers, but my guess is that the LEGO Space system plays a big part in it. Today we're looking at Chariot, a 12-wheeled space SUV designed in 12 short months specifically for a proposed 2020 moon landing.

Lucien Junkin, chief engineer, told ABC News:

"Our mandate was building a truck that could go to the moon...Our crew members will stand up, and we can carry more than two astronauts. The Chariot can move in a crablike motion from side to side as well as forward and reverse. It has six wheels instead of four wheels."

Speaking of crablike motions, what ever happened to ATHLETE, the other lunar rover that had LEGO influence written all over it? Chariot does look a tad more practical, if not half as fun.

See? LEGO inspired, or I'll eat my space helmet:
Check out a full gallery and story at the ABC News website. [ABC News]
Thanks Paul!

One of These Days, ATHLETE... Bang! Zoom! Straight to the Moon (Video)

Wilson Rothman — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 10:35:32 EST

ATHLETE, NASA's "All-Terrain Hex-Limbed Extra-Terrestrial Explorer," was designed for lunar cargo hauling with expertise in hernia-free crouch and lift. A pair of cameras mounted on each of its six sides provide full stereoscopic panoramic view of the lunar surface. The small wheels are used on hard terrain, but they can lock to become feet when the goin' gets rougher. Legs can become arms, and the motors used to control the wheel can also power claws, plows and drills. NASA plans to ship this baby skyward in a "decade or so." [NASA via Make]