JPL leads in the development of the ATHLETE (All-Terrain Hex-Legged Extra-Terrestrial Explorer) robotic vehicle. Other members of the team include NASA’s Johnson and Ames Centers, Stanford University and Boeing. ATHLETE is capable of rolling over undulating moon-like terrain and “walking” over extremely rough or steep terrain so that robotic or human missions on the surface of the moon can load, transport, manipulate and deposit payloads.
The first version of the ATHLETE vehicle is able to dock with special-purpose devices, including a launchable/releasable grappling hook, refueling stations, excavation implements. Development plans for future versions include the ability to move 100 times faster than the Mars Exploration Rovers and traverse almost any terrain, including vertical rock faces or sandy slopes at the angle of repose by using a launchable/releasable grappling hook.Image credit: NASA/JPL