How driving remote-controlled cars from orbit prepares us for Mars
In short: Astronauts aren't just conducting science; they are testing the remote-control infrastructure for future planetary exploration. By operating robotic vehicles on Earth from the International Space Station, researchers are learning how to explore the Moon and Mars without ever leaving orbit.
In 2019, ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano participated in the ANALOG-1 experiment, a task designed to test the feasibility of remote-controlled exploration. From aboard the International Space Station, Parmitano commanded a robotic rover navigating a course inside a building on Earth. This experiment, led by ESA scientist and principal and principal investigator William Carey, addresses a critical challenge for future Mars missions: how to increase scientific return while avoiding human-induced contamination of the Martian surface.
The technical demands of station maintenance also serve as a training ground for deep space. During his expedition, Parmitano and NASA astronaut Andrew Morgan worked to repair the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-02 (AMS-02). Planning this sequence of extravehicular activities spanned four years and involved designing upwards of 20 specialised, high-accuracy instruments. Project manager Tara Jochim noted that mastering tasks like cutting and connecting stainless steel tubing in space builds the essential skills needed for future planetary surfaces.
Robotic assistance remains a cornerstone of these operations. The Canadian Space Agency’s 17.6-meter Canadarm2 has been vital for moving equipment and astronauts, even transporting Parmitano during the AMS-02 repair. Looking ahead, the Artemis program will utilize Canadarm3 at the Lunar Gateway station to support long-term lunar presence. Interestingly, this robotic lineage extends to Earth, where Canadarm technology provides the foundation for IGAR, a medical robot designed to assist in breast cancer surgeries using MRI scanners.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: A Conversation About Work on the Space Station
- Also: Learning by Living and Working in Space - NASA
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/space-a-conversation-about-work-on-the-space-station.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Space agencies · More in Space · Latest · A–Z · All topics
