Future of Space Exploration: Robots Exploring Subsurface Caves on Mars and the Moon
Scientists and engineers are actively developing innovative technologies aimed at exploring the depths of space, specifically focusing on underground structures on Mars and the Moon.
The utilization of autonomous robots to investigate lava tubes—underground caves formed by volcanic activity—opens new horizons in the search for signs of life and potential sites for human bases.
These formations offer natural protection from the harsh conditions of open space, including intense radiation, extreme temperature fluctuations, and frequent meteorite impacts, making them ideal candidates for exploration and future human settlement.
To assess the potential of these technologies, a team of researchers conducted tests with three robots within a lava cave on the island of Lanzarote, Spain.
Lava tubes are also found on other celestial bodies like the Moon and Mars and remain relatively unexplored due to high risks for human explorers.
The cost and danger associated with entering these underground labyrinths are significantly reduced with modern robotic systems.
During a 21-day testing period, detailed results were published in Science Robotics.
The first stage involved two rovers creating surface maps around the cave entrance, demonstrating their navigation capabilities.
The next phase used sensor cubes to produce accurate 3D models of the entrance.
The most complex phase saw two robots works coordinating autonomously: a smaller rover joined a larger one to descend 235 meters into the cave, simultaneously mapping the route in three dimensions.
Although promising, the researchers acknowledge remaining technical challenges, such as radar performance reduction due to moisture and sensor limitations that affect mapping precision.
Fully autonomous navigation inside caves remains a goal for further development.
These experiments mark an important step toward exploring lunar and Martian lava tubes, facilitating planning for crewed missions and addressing fundamental questions about the presence of extraterrestrial life.
Recent reports also highlighted the emergence of Waldog, a robot dog in Mexico that performs educational and practical functions: communicating with children and adults to promote humane treatment of animals and monitoring city issues such as littering and potholes.