Humans are drawn to space exploration, and now, more than ever, technology makes it possible to make dreams come true.
Startup Asteroid Mining Corp. He demonstrated to the general public his six-legged robot called SCAR-E, which is an abbreviation for Space Capable Asteroid Robotic – Explorer. This event took place recently in London.
What is interesting about the new device?
First, it will be able to conduct research on lunar craters and asteroids.
Secondly, the developers involved in the project are confident that their invention will be much better able to cope with the tasks assigned to it, research missions on the Earth’s satellite, than traditional mechanisms, i.e. wheeled planetary rovers.
The robot weighs 20 kilograms, but this does not affect the accuracy and speed of its movements. On the contrary, they are characterized by increased stability and maneuverability.
During the summit, SCAR-E lifted its legs one by one. These movements were later called a little dance by the Scottish techno-futurist Hunter-Scullion.
To begin with, the developers of SCAR-E intend to use it for industrial inspections, where traditional wheeled all-terrain vehicles can fail because they have significant difficulty overcoming walls and the like. After attaching the six-fingered grippers to the robot’s legs, it will be able to climb walls, inspect ship hulls, and perform other tasks.
The development of the mechanism took into account the ways of its future application, such as the study of craters on the Moon’s surface and the search for asteroids. Its mechanical and electronic components are tightly sealed and protected from regolith, loose stones, and dust, which are abundant in space. Such modifications ensure efficient operation in extreme conditions.
Hunter-Scullion proposes to use the robot for the International Space Station and on the lunar surface in the mid-2020s, after which an expedition will be conducted to test and select a target.
Eventually, the company plans to send SCAR-E and its successor to explore asteroids and uncover the potential resources they hold.
The company’s innovative approach to robotics demonstrates its commitment to the future of space exploration and the use of space resources. The development of SCAR-E and the planned missions for decades to come confirm the corporation’s development course.