European researchers present an innovative mission concept in the hidden caves of the moon

Lava tunnels on planetary bodies near Earth are promising locations for future base camps, as they bring natural protection against radiation and meteorite impacts. However, exploration remains difficult due to harsh conditions and restricted access. 

Now, a European consortium, which includes the Space Robotics Laboratory at the University of Malaga, has designed an innovative lava tunnel exploration mission concept. This concept has just been published in the scientific journal Science Robotics. It comprises a team of three heterogeneous robots that collaborate autonomously to explore and map these extreme environments efficiently, and they are being tested in caves of Lanzarote (Spain) with a view to the Moon.

This mission concept is divided into four phases: Cooperative mapping of the area surrounding the entrance to the lava tunnel (phase 1); deployment of a sensorized payload cube ejected down into the cave to collect initial data (phase 2); rappelling of a scout rover through the entrance (phase 3); and exploration and detailed 3D mapping of the interior (phase 4).

A field test carried out on the volcanic island of Lanzarote in February 2023 demonstrated the technological capabilities of the consortium led by the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI), with the participation of the University of Malaga and the Spanish company GMV.

The results not only confirm the technical feasibility of the concept but also demonstrate the potential of collaborative robotic systems for use in future missions to the Moon or Mars. Therefore, the study provides a valuable boost for the development of autonomous robotic solutions in the context of planetary exploration.

The Space Robotics Laboratory at the UMA

The mission of the Space Robotics Laboratory at the UMA is to research and develop novel methods and techniques that help to increase autonomy in space robotics, covering both planetary and orbital scenarios. In recent years it has maintained an intense collaboration with the European Space Agency, developing algorithms for planning roads in planetary exploration vehicles (rovers), and increasing its autonomy. 

Moreover, the aim of the laboratory is to train future engineers in the field of space robotics, training students from the School of Industrial Engineering at UMA to carry out internships and thesis in this topic. Most of their projects are conducted in collaboration with national and international research institutions through joint projects or technology transfer contracts with companies and research organizations.

Bibliography:

Raúl Domínguez et al. Cooperative robotic exploration of a planetary skylight surface and lava cave. Sci. Robot.10,eadj9699(2025).DOI:10.1126/scirobotics.adj9699