ROBOTS ON THE MOON IN 1000 DAYS

We're going to the moon, again, robotically this time!

By JAMES TENAFLY

NASA’s working on a plan that would start sending scientists to the moon in 1000 days. Using robotic avatars (yea, no fucking kidding) that look like a cross between Master Chief and C-3PO, NASA would suit researchers up in motion capture, virtual realityish suits so they could explore the lunar surface from the comfort of home.

Previously, astronauts have needed to explore the moon within an extremely tight time frame. Golfing and flag-raising aside, being on the moon’s serious, expensive business. You’ve only got so much oxygen before you need to head back home. These amazing robots, of course, can work forever without a break or a breath.

More than anything else, these robots will pave the way for human colonization of the moon. Unhampered by our own biological restrictions, the robo-astronauts will be able to trek around the lunar surface tireless and totally unencumbered. With the recent discovery of moon water, you know those noble NASA nerds are just dying to setup shop up in Earth’s orbit.

Read more stuff like this on Motherboard.

By JAMES TENAFLY 1 year ago

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