Chinese scientists are developing a moon rover for the country’s maiden mission to moon in 2012.
The six-wheeled vehicle is nuclear-powered and has been under development for four years at the Shanghai Aerospace System Engineering Institute.
The five-foot high rover weighs 440-pound and is designed to transmit video in real time and dig for and analyze soil samples and also produce 3D images of the lunar surface.
The rover resembles NASA’s Spirit and Opportunity which are operating on the red planet. But unlike these rovers, the Chinese one will run on nuclear power source to ensure a constant energy supply.
Like all other rovers, this one also is a host of some outstanding technology. It can move at an average speed of 328 feet per hour and can negotiate turns and has sensors to prevent it from crashing into other objects.
Researchers are still refining its ability to handle low gravity and exposure to cosmic rays and extreme changes in temperature.
Via: Usatoday
