NASA is working on training a robot called ReachBot to navigate and search through the extensive cave systems on Mars. Exploring these caves is crucial for future missions, as they present an unknown and potentially hazardous environment. Using a robot instead of a human reduces risks and costs, and ReachBot’s size, weight, and optimized mode of exploration increase its chances of success.

Mars has always been a top contender in the search for signs of extraterrestrial life. However, the planet’s current conditions, such as extreme cold, dryness, and lack of protective atmosphere and magnetic field, make its surface inhospitable. It is challenging for life or any evidence of life to survive there. However, caves on Mars could offer varying levels of protection from these harsh conditions, making them ideal places to search for living organisms.

While ReachBot was originally designed for Mars exploration, its capabilities make it suitable for other targets within our solar system. Planets, moons, and asteroids with rocky compositions and low gravity could also be potential exploration destinations for ReachBot. This includes our own Moon, where ReachBot could be used to maintain the Lunar Gateway space station during uncrewed periods. It’s worth noting that ReachBot did not receive the name HAL.