Robots Weblog | Artemis II – How robots put together the way in which again to the moon

With the Artemis II mission, people are flying close to the moon for the first time in over 50 years. But there is much more to this journey than just a spectacular flight into space: modern space travel uses many technologies from robotics and artificial intelligence. Sensors constantly measure the environment, computers make lightning-fast decisions and automatic controls keep the spacecraft stable on course. Artemis II is therefore also an important step for the further development of intelligent machines that could support people on the moon in the future.

The rocket – a masterpiece of automatic control

The launch will take place with NASA’s huge Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. It is one of the most powerful rockets ever built. To ensure it flies safely, hundreds of sensors constantly monitor speed, temperature and pressure. Computers continually calculate whether the trajectory is correct. If necessary, they automatically adjust the engines. This control works similarly to drones or self-driving vehicles: the machine detects deviations and corrects them independently. Such automatic controls are an important area of robotics and are also used in satellites and Mars rovers.

Orion – a spaceship with robotic technology

Astronauts travel in the Orion spacecraft. It is accompanied by a European service module that provides electricity, air, water and propulsion. A total of 33 engines work in the service module. They ensure that the spaceship can align itself precisely in space. Computers constantly calculate the correct position and speed. This technology belongs to the area of guidance, navigation and control – a classic robotics topic. Robotic arms and autonomous vehicles also use similar calculations to control their movements.

Many functions run automatically because radio signals between the earth and the moon take several seconds. The spaceship must therefore be able to make many decisions itself.

Robot rovers explore the moon

Before people can stay on the moon for a longer period of time, many questions must be answered. Where is there water? Where is the ground stable? Where can astronauts work safely? This is where rovers come into play – moving robots equipped with cameras, sensors and small laboratories. They examine rocks, measure temperatures and create maps of the area.

Orientation is particularly difficult. On Earth, GPS helps with navigation. This doesn’t work so easily on the moon, so rovers use additional cameras and special computer programs to recognize their surroundings. The robots compare images of craters and rocks with stored maps. This is how they find their way across the lunar surface. Such technologies are already being researched in autonomous vehicles.

Image source: NASA

Future: How robots could help build a moon base

In the long term, NASA, together with international partners, is planning a permanent human presence on the moon. Robots could take on many preparatory tasks. They could set up solar systems, transport scientific equipment or examine materials. European projects such as the planned Argonaut lunar lander are also intended to bring cargo, experiments and possibly robotic systems to the moon. The conditions are extreme: large temperature fluctuations, strong radiation and fine lunar dust place special demands on machines. That’s why researchers are developing robust materials, special sensors and particularly reliable joints.

It can be assumed that robots will prepare a lot of work before humans live permanently on the moon.

The next steps in the Artemis program

Artemis II is an important test flight. The mission checks whether all systems function reliably and can fly safely to the moon. Further missions are planned in the coming years. New spacecraft, landing technologies and supply systems will be tested. The goal is to allow people to land safely on the lunar surface again and to build a long-term infrastructure for research. The moon also serves as a training location for later missions to Mars.

Conclusion

The return to the moon is not only a success for space travel, but also a major advance for robotics and AI. Many technologies used in Artemis come from robotics: automatic navigation, sensors and intelligent controls. In the future, robots will work even more closely with astronauts. They help explore the lunar surface and set up research stations.

FuxFun 🦊

Did you know that moon dust has very sharp edges? It occurs because there is no wind or water on the moon to round the grains. This is a real challenge for robots!