(ORDO News) — The Japanese space agency JAXA has announced its ambitious plans to explore the Moon and create a unique robot that looks like the famous BB-8 from the Star Wars franchise. This extraordinary mission, expected to begin operations in early 2024, could have a significant impact on the future of space exploration and the development of lunar rovers.
Last week, JAXA launched the Smart Lander for Lunar Exploration (SLIM), which carries a mysterious robot called Lunar Excursion Vehicle 2 (LEV-2). This robot is similar in appearance to a tennis ball and has a unique ability – its two halves can move independently of each other, allowing it to move along the uneven surface of the Moon.
Senior researcher and robot designer Hirano Daichi at JAXA explained, “We have introduced reliable and safe technology for designing children’s toys, which has minimized the number of components used in the vehicle and increased its reliability.”
The development of this unique robot was the result of a collaboration between the Japanese Space Agency, toy manufacturer TOMY and Doshisha University. Technology giant Sony also contributed by developing a control board and a stabilized camera located between the robot’s two hemispherical legs.
However, it is worth noting that the purpose of this mission is not scientific research, but a technical demonstration. LEV-2 batteries provide only two hours of operation on the Moon. However, the development of this unusual robot could have important implications for future lunar rovers, allowing them to navigate unpredictable terrain.
Before LEV-2 begins its mission to the Moon, JAXA must successfully place the probe into lunar orbit and complete its descent. This is a difficult task, and not all countries have been able to achieve it in recent years. The optimism of Japanese scientists allows us to hope for the successful completion of the mission.
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News agencies contributed to this report, edited and published by ORDO News editors.
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