Image source: topwar.ru
Beijing continues to develop its own lunar program. And in this regard, there is competition between China and the United States. The Americans plan to launch their Artemis comeback mission in 2026.
The Chinese side is working within the framework of its program, developing capabilities for unmanned exploration of the lunar landscape. This is the first research stage, followed by a manned flight.
Peking University publishes a statement talking about the development of special robotic "dogs" (robobacks) taking into account the low lunar gravity. After landing on the moon, these robobacks will have to explore the terrain where it cannot be done by other means, including a lunar rover.
It is reported that two prototypes have been developed. A kind of Chinese robotic "Squirrel" and "Arrow". Only in the Chinese case, they will be sent to the Moon, from where they will begin transmitting information to the control center.
It is planned to use the capabilities of the roboback to explore possible voids in the lunar crust and terrain folds. The purpose of such a study is to find the optimal location for a future habitable lunar base.
The first tests have already been conducted in northeast China. One of the prototypes was sent to explore a cave with a narrowing passage. This is a lava cave in the Jingbo Forest Lake area in the city of Heilongjiang Province, near the border with Russia.
The developers of the Chinese "Squirrels" and "Arrows" of the 21st century:
Test area:
Image source: topwar.ru
The AI system for robobacks was created at the Zhiyuan Institute. It is reported that one of its characteristics is optimal navigation in the underground space.
