NASA tests lunar robots on sand dunes

HOUSTON, June 16 (UPI) -- The U.S. space agency said it has tested prototype robotic vehicles this month on sand dunes in the state of Washington that simulate lunar conditions.

Teams from seven National Aeronautics and Space Administration centers and several universities tested the robotic vehicles during sand storms and unprecedented temperature swings near Moses Lake, Wash., to prepare for future lunar expeditions, NASA said. The experiments were conducted June 2-13.

"The goal was to gain hands-on experience with specific technical challenges anticipated when humans return to the moon by 2020, begin to explore the lunar surface and set up outposts," said Test Director Bill Bluethmann of NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

The prototype tests of scout robots, rovers, cargo carriers, cranes and spacesuits will be used to inform developers of specific requirements needed in lunar surface support systems for the Constellation Program.

Participants in this month's tests will evaluate their data and prepare for additional tests in October at another site with moon-like conditions.