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NASA to send robotic penguin to moon for exploration

We all know that the space shuttle program is having a mid-life crisis, but it seems that NASA keeps on coming up with new ideas. It now seems that NASA wants to send a "Space Penguin" to the moon. While still in the concept stage, the explorer could be launched as early as 2009, said Karleen Seybold, a senior systems engineer for Raytheon. Since Raytheon is a military defense technology company it wouldn't suprise the LR staff if the Space Penguins come equiped with lasers too.

The unmanned lunar device, in development for two years, is 3 feet tall and weighs approximately 230 pounds. It "hops" by reigniting small propulsion engines. The Penguin, unveiled at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Space 2005 Conference, can make a single jump of about six-tenths of a mile and could be adapted to make additional jumps, possibly over greater distances.

Reuters Technology News

Posted by | Wed, Aug 31, 2005 - 09:16 AM