Lava tubes — tunnels left behind by ancient lava flows — could shelter future moon bases from radiation and temperature swings. Getting a robot inside one is the hard part.
A research team has built rover wheels inspired by origami that fold down to fit through narrow openings, then spread out to grip loose rock and steep slopes.
Why it matters
Most planetary rovers use rigid wheels sized for open terrain. A wheel that changes shape could let one rover handle both a cave entrance and the jumbled floor inside.
The team tested prototypes on crushed rock meant to imitate lunar soil. Next, they plan field tests in lava tubes on Earth.
