Space exploration has been around for a while now and so far, it has been all about science and rockets…until now! With the introduction of Lunar Nanobots by Lunatix, not only will man gain better access to the moon, but it will also come with so much fun, as it incorporates gaming into its design.

Lunar Nanobot (courtesy: ESA)

The Nanobots – officially known as Small Mobile Platforms (SMPs) are very agile machines capable of executing jumps as high as 3 m, thus giving them the ability to clear and evade obstacles in the course of their operation. The SMPs are also equipped with video cameras capable of taking 360-degree shots and recordings.

The SMPs will be deployed on the moon, alongside scientific payloads and a Main Mobile Platform (MMP), which is a larger rover, saddled with the responsibility of “catering” for the Nanobots. The MMP will be responsible for Nanobot-recharging, warmth provision (during the cold 2-week lunar night) via its thermal subsystem and communication with Earth’s Missions Operation Centre.

The SMPs and MMP are designed to effectively withstand the very harsh temperature swings, radiation and dust, while communicating with Earth every step of the way. The Nanobots also allows for remote access and control from Earth, with a bi-directional 3-second delay in streaming.

These features among others, make Nanobots the perfect adventure opportunity for die-hard gamers, especially those who fancy augmented reality. Thus, the project is not just targeted at space exploration, but also profit generation via the gaming market which is currently worth over $100 billion.

The initial phase of the gaming will involve the design of a free software that will allow gamers to control virtual Nanobots on a simulated lunar surface. Apart from the gaming aspect, the Nanobots will also be equipped with probing capabilities aimed at accessing lunar lava tubes and other sites of real scientific interest.

The Lunatix concept was announced at the SpaceTech Master Programme of the Technical University of Graz – a program designed to merge business and space engineering together. The first launch of the mobile platforms is slated for 2021and it will comprise of one MMP and 5 SMPs.