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Small Robots Could Build Landing Site For Moon Base

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the get-serious-about-moving-off-planet dept.

A new NASA-sponsored study suggests that small lawnmower-sized robots could be used to build a landing site for a moon outpost. In order to be efficient a landing pad would have to be close to any structures created, but without an atmosphere to slow down the lunar sand it would sandblast the outpost, creating the need for some sort of protection. By using small robots to either build protective berms or collect rocks to "pave" a landing pad, NASA hopes to provide protection against the sand-blasting effects of a landing on the moon.

3 of 199 comments (clear)

  1. No hitchikers by argent · · Score: 5, Insightful

    No weather on the moon. No thieves. No vandals. No vegetation. No mud. 1/6th gee. No wind to blow piles of dirt away. It's a simpler environment to work in.

    Forget the construction work, could you build a rover that would last 90 days in Minnesota. just driving around photographing things?

  2. Re:Yeah right? by xonar · · Score: 5, Insightful

    ...If there was any way to automate the process more than it already is, it would be done by now.

    "Everything that can be invented has been invented."

    Sound familiar?

  3. Re:Fire the robots by stoolpigeon · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I'll go. Tomorrow. Somebody get me a shovel and a suit.

    --
    It's hard to believe that's how Micronians are made. Why don't we see it right now by having you both kiss one another?