Scientists have successfully tested three autonomous robots in a lava cave on the Spanish island of Lanzarote, marking a significant step towards exploring subsurface lava tubes on Mars and the moon. The missions aim to determine the best locations for establishing human bases and could provide protection from harsh space environments.
Lava tubes are deep underground caves formed by volcanic activity and offer protection from extreme temperatures, radiation, and meteorite bombardment. While human exploration of these tubes is risky and expensive, robots are a safer and more cost-effective option. A heterogeneous cooperative robot team was tested in the lava cave environment, with two rovers mapping the surface and one rover launching a sensorized payload into the opening to create a detailed 3D map.
The test revealed several challenges, including reduced ground-penetrating radar performance due to moisture and limitations in mapping accuracy due to sensor interference. However, the research brings us closer to scouting locations on Earth and elsewhere in our solar system for human settlements. The technology could help answer the question of whether we are alone in space.
The scientists behind the study believe that this approach could be a promising way to address access and exploration of extraterrestrial lava caves. With further development, robots may one day explore lunar or Martian tubes, paving the way for future human missions.
Source: https://phys.org/news/2025-08-robots-team-explore-planetary-lava.html