Space exploration requires colossal means, and technologies as diverse as they are varied. All the more so because it is necessary to do without human presence, at least in most cases. Robots are then ideal.
To be able to explore Space as much as possible, you have to be able to do without Man. The latter is not yet sufficiently equipped, to get there on the one hand, and to reach certain specific areas on the other hand. The robots can then be very useful. ESA thus has great hopes for the DAEDALUS robot to explore the caves of the Moon.
DAEDALUS, a robot to explore lunar caves
If people are to stay on the moon for long periods of time, it will be necessary to be able to use the resources present under the surface of our natural satellite. And a robot with a rather unusual design could help in this mission.
The European Space Agency (ESA) has decided to support the DAEDALUS project (Descent And Exploration in Deep Autonomy of Lunar Underground Structures). This is a hamster exercise ball-like robot thought and designed by Julius-Maximilians-University to study moon caves.
A mission that could be crucial to settle permanently on the Moon
This 18.1 inch (46 cm) diameter ball is powered by a cable and uses a combination of stereoscopic cameras and LiDAR to map the surrounding underground space as it evolves autonomously in said environment.
A dosimeter and temperature sensors, meanwhile, make it possible to assess the dangerousness of caves for human life while its extendable arms make it capable of testing the moon rock and removing certain obstacles.
DAEDALUS is an exploration robot concept that is of great interest to ESA, but nothing can guarantee that it will one day end up on the surface of the Moon. It could in any case be a crucial tool if it becomes reality. Researchers could find extremely well preserved material, and possibly even ice.
Some of these caves could even make perfect human encampments on the Moon, as they could protect against micrometeorites, radiation and extreme temperatures. Explorers would then not necessarily need to build such elaborate habitats since they would live below the surface.