Intuitive Machines has released details of a hopping robot called South Pole Hopper that will be sent on its next Moon mission. Weighing only 35 kg and standing 70 cm tall, this miniaturized craft will explore the region around the lunar south pole autonomously.
Intuitive Machines recently had a major breakthrough, successfully becoming the first non-governmental entity to land on the Moon in February. At least the landing was partially successful – the company’s Odysseus lander ended up on its side, though its instruments and communication links remained at least partially functional. That mission, dubbed IM-1, was the first in a series of ambitious missions the company has planned.
And they recently released a paper detailing features of a unique hopping robot that will hitch a ride on its next Moon mission. Known as South Pole Hopper (or S.P. Hopper), the robot will be the first of a new class called µNova. Weighing in at only 35 kg and standing only 70 cm tall, this miniaturized craft is a stand-alone spacecraft that can operate entirely autonomously. It must do this to complete its mission of exploring the region around the permanently shadowed regions (PSRs) at the lunar south pol
Intuitive Machines Moon Landing Odysseus Lander Hopping Robot South Pole Hopper Μnova Space Exploration
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