The ETNA rover has completed tests on the Sicilian volcano

Credits:ASI

The Sicilian volcano has been identified as an ideal testing ground thanks to the presence of non-compact material, slopes and irregular reliefs which recreate a geological context similar to that of the lunar surface. During the tests, the vehicle faced rough terrain, verifying the effectiveness of the autonomous navigation, locomotion, control and management systems of the on-board scientific instruments, modules designed to allow the rovers to carry out inspections, transport loads and support the astronauts’ activities even in the absence of direct supervision from the ground.

As stated by Roberto Formaro, Director of Engineering and Technologies of ASI: “Thanks to the Universal Locomotion System program and the results obtained during the test campaign on Mount Etna, ASI confirms its commitment to supporting the development of strategic technologies for future space missions, strengthening the role of industry and the scientific community and contributing to the growth of national skills in the sectors of advanced robotics and space mobility

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Rover size in relation to the ASI-Thales team. Credits: ASI
The structure of the project aims to consolidate the Italian scientific and industrial supply chain in planetary exploration technologies. Roberto Angelini, Head of Exploration and Science at Thales Alenia Space said: “The Universal Locomotion System program and the operations carried out on the “Etna” rover fully represent the virtuosity of the space system of human and robotic exploration in Italy”, adding that “the skills of reference industrial players such as Thales Alenia Space and Leonardo, shared with important entities such as ALTEC, Aiko, Volta Structural Energy and centers of excellence such as the Polytechnic of Turin and the IIT – Italian Institute of Technology, under the guidance and supporting the vision of the Italian Space Agency, constitute an example of technological progression, a basis for extending Italian, European and international ambitions for the discovery of the Moon, Mars and deep space

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