NASA Astronaut Remotely Controls Rover on Earth from Space

Although sending astronauts to other planets may be possible, the logistics of actually landing on those planets may be too much of a challenge. Fortunately, there are rovers that can explore the surface of alien worlds. NASA has begun studying how astronauts in orbit could use remotely-operated vehicles to perform work on the surface of other planets.

Already, NASA has tested the Surface Telerobotics exploration concept. During the test, Expedition 36 Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy remotely operated the K10 planetary rover in the Roverscape, which is an outdoor robotic test area located on Earth's surface. At the time, Cassidy was orbiting hundreds of miles above aboard the International Space Station. For three hours, the astronaut used the robot to perform a survey of the Roverscape's rocky, lunar-like terrain.

"The initial tests were notable for achieving a number of firsts for NASA and the field of human-robotic exploration," said Terry Fong, Human Exploration Telerobotics project manager, in a news release. "Specifically, this project represents the first fully-interactive remote operation of a planetary rover by an astronaut in space."

The new robot employs the open-source Robot Application Programming Interface Delegate (RAPID) robot data messaging system. This allowed Cassidy to control the robot from space. It's been used in a wide variety of systems so far, including rovers, walking robots, free-flying robots and robotic cranes. Unlike other controlled robots, though, the one that Cassidy controlled was slightly more advanced.

"Whereas it is common practice in undersea exploration to use a joystick and have direct control of remote submarines, the K10 robots are more intelligent," said Fong. "Astronauts interact with robots at a higher level, telling them where to go, and then the robot itself independently and intelligently figures out how to safely get there."

The new robot could potentially be used by astronauts who are in orbit around a planet in order to collect valuable data. In theory, it could be sent down to the surface to explore while sending back information in real time.

"Robots will complement human explorers, allowing astronauts to perform work via remote control from a space station, spacecraft or other habitat," said Fong.

NASA is planning to conduct a final test session with the space station in August. During the test, engineers and an astronaut will inspect the deployed antenna and study human-robot interaction.