NSHE Awarded NASA EPSCoR Grant to Pioneer Robotics Research for Moon and Mars Objectives

The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) has been awarded a $750K grant from NASA’s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) to develop a statewide network of groundbreaking robotics research aimed at advancing NASA’s Moon-to-Mars objectives and paving the way for eventual deep space exploration. Over the next three years, this innovative project titled “Prospecting and Pre-Colonization of the Moon and Mars using Autonomous Robots with Human-in-the-Loop” will bring together scientists from the University of Nevada, Reno, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), DRI and NASA’s Ames Research Center.

“This award highlights the exceptional talent and forward-thinking approach of Nevada’s researchers,” said Interim Chancellor Patricia Charlton. “This project will not only enhance our research capabilities but also inspire future generations of scientists and engineers in our state.”

The project aims to use robots to prepare and set up sites for future human and robot missions on the Moon and Mars. The research will take place in areas in Northern and Southern Nevada that mimic the conditions on the Moon and Mars, as well as at NASA testing facilities. This initiative will enhance Nevada’s research infrastructure and align with the state’s Economic Development Plan, strengthening the capabilities of the University of Nevada, Reno, UNLV, and DRI in fields like computer vision, robotics, virtual reality, hydrology, and environmental physics.

“By leveraging our state’s unique landscape and expertise, we aim to create cutting-edge robotic solutions that will enable colonization and sustainable human presence on other planets,” said Dr. Christos Papachristos, Assistant Professor of Computer Science at the University of Nevada Reno and Director of the Robotic Workers Lab.

Key Robotic Objectives and Activities:

• Energy-Aware Autonomous Environmental Sampling: This includes exploring, mapping resources, detecting volatile substances, identifying hazards, and analyzing remote worksites.
• Surface Engineering (SE): This involves clearing rocks and treating surfaces to reduce dust, which is crucial for preparing human colonies.
• Human Cognition-Driven Supervision: Frameworks for efficient human supervision and coordination of off-planet prospecting and site clearing, mindful of severe communication constraints.

The project introduces several groundbreaking components, including self-deployable cable-driven robots for overhead monitoring and building, ground-based space worker robots for transporting large objects, Robots designed to search for resources with smart sampling technology, and an interactive digital worksite twin for remote mission commanding.

“The development of autonomous robots that can operate effectively in the challenging environments of the Moon and Mars is crucial for the success of future exploration missions. The innovative research NASA will conduct through this partnership will not only advance our understanding of these environments but also push the boundaries of robotic technology, enabling us to explore deeper into space than ever before,” said Terry Fong, chief roboticist of the Intelligent Robotics Group at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley.

“We are thrilled that NASA has chosen to fund the Nevada team and their pioneering research. This work will not only advance NASA’s missions but also foster significant technological development within Nevada and strengthen the collaborative relationship between NSHE researchers and the NASA Ames Research Center,” said Eric Wilcox, Director of Nevada NASA EPSCoR. “This project exemplifies the innovative spirit of our state’s research community and its potential to contribute to NASA’s Moon to Mars exploration efforts.”

Media Availability: Robotics demonstrations and interviews are available for members of the media at both the University of Nevada, Reno, and UNLV. Please reach out to Elizabeth Callahan at ecallahan@nshe.nevada.edu or 702-522-7021 to schedule a visit or interview with project researchers.