Interact prepares the lunar exploration on Etna. in front of

On the slopes ofEtna testing the autonomous robber of the ESA (European Space Agency). More commonly called Interactionhas the role of exploration and sampling on our satellite.

A simulation organized by the German Aerospace Center will run until July 9, 2022. It’s called Arches Space-Analog Demonstration. The simulation will have the important participation of:hex The goal is to testify to the functioning of the robot for Gateway, the future moon station.

Thomas Reiter, ESA astronaut, will be tasked with driving the vehicle located at 2,600 meters above sea level in Catania. There are a good 23 kilometers away: this allows one simulation valid, because it reproduces what will happen later. In fact, the launch of the Lunar Gateway with future residents is expected from 2024.

Interact weighs about 300 pounds. In addition to providing pictures of the environment through its two cameras, the other also has sensors of the latest technology. They allow astronauts to experience the planet and its surface as the rover does. The sensors also detect the weight and composition of the rocks.

Think of a robot, which maneuvers with a real technological joystick like that of video games, the sense of touch and sight. The ultimate goal? We will, explore the moon and take samples. All with the help of a person on the lunar station with the task of controlling the vehicle remotely. Also useful is the presence of a control room on Earth.

This type of independent robot represents an essential technology for the future. In addition, it will be useful for research in large and difficult environments. Astronauts can explore not only the moon or Mars, but also a planet, while remaining protected in the space base. Exploration can also be done in the depths of the sea, on Earth.