Scientists from LunaSol Space, Marine Bioenergy, and the University of Central Florida presented the concept of the PLEASER robot for exploring lunar lava tubes with diameters up to 385 meters. The robot will be able to analyze regolith density, find traces of water ice, and assess rock thermal conductivity for infrastructure construction.
Jared Long-Fox from NASA noted: “Every layer of regolith is an archive of lunar history. An asteroid impact, a magma eruption — all this leaves its mark which the robot will be able to study.” The robot will collect data for construction purposes by determining soil resistance during drilling.
The development does not require technological breakthroughs as most components already exist. The team is confident that first prototypes of PLEASER will appear within 10-15 years. The concept envisages long-term human presence on the Moon with plans stretching decades into the future.