NASA engineers tested a rover to search for water on the moon
January 20, 2020 NASA’s preparations for a new landing on the moon are in full swing. Before the launch of the Artemis mission, the space agency plans to send the VIPER robot in search of water and glaciers. Recently, the organization first tested the device in the laboratory.
Engineers conducted a series of experiments at the Cleveland Lunar Simulation Laboratory. There, they tested the VIPER’s maneuverability and traction on sandy slopes from different angles. The data obtained is used to determine what power the device will need during a mission, and also how it can effectively overcome various obstacles during its stay on the moon. So far, NASA has not reported on the test results.
The VIPER moon landing is scheduled for December 2022. The device will examine the soil of the satellite to determine the percentage of water content in regions that are not visible when observed from the Earth. He must also collect ice samples for a complete analysis.
