Robotics for planetary exploration

Another area of innovative technology R&D is the development for use in scientific space missions of mini- and micro-robotics for planetary exploration. The micro-rover NANOKHOD built by the German company von Hoerner & Sulger GmbH (vH&S) for ESA's Technology and Research Programme illustrates the potential of European research and development. The NANOKHOD is can transport and operate scientific payload instruments in the vicinity of a planetary lander. With a total mass of roughly 3 kg (including payloads), the rover can accommodate as much as 1 kg of instrument payloads and can operate in extreme operating environments with temperatures as low as –170°C.