2008 field test outing is underway at Blank Point Lava Flow in AZ. Please check WWW.NASA.GOV for further information
2007 field testing has completed, and all objectives were accomplished. Please check back for archived Digital Learning Network (DLN) webcasts. Results of testing will be available via NASA Technical Publications channels in a few months.
D-RATS test site weather cam -
a view from Elden Mountain 7 miles away
(click on the image for a larger view)
What is the NASA Desert Rats?
The Desert RATS is a NASA-led team of research partners working
together to prepare for human-robotic exploration. This "working
group,"
led by NASA personnel, is comprised of both NASA and non-NASA Members.
The Desert RATS field test activity is the culmination
of the various
individual science and advanced engineering discipline areas year-long
technology and operations development efforts into a coordinated field
test demonstration under representative (analog) planetary surface
terrain conditions. The purpose of the RATS effort is to drive out
preliminary exploration operational concepts for EVA system
requirements
by providing hands-on experience with simulated planetary surface
exploration extravehicular activity (EVA) hardware and procedures.
The RATS activities also are of significant importance
in helping to
develop the necessary levels of technical skills and experience for the
next generation of engineers, scientists, technicians, and astronauts
who will be responsible for realizing the goals of the Constellation
Program.
The 2007 field test is the tenth for the Desert RATS
team.
For more information about the NASA Desert RATS, please
contact Barbara Romig .
|
