Solution for astronauts not to get lost on ... the moon

When the astronauts of the "Apollo" trip finally rolled slowly in the aluminum car on the moon, they had to work hard to find their way back to where the spacecraft landed.

A computer records the passage and direction that has passed, and then relies on it to calculate the location of astronauts. If the computer fails, they must use the backup device to measure the position of the Sun to find their way back.

On Earth, positioning techniques become a popular product thanks to GPS navigation system. NASA wants to develop a similar system for the moon - so one day astronauts don't get lost on this barren land.

The orientation based on the characteristics of the surface of the moon is not entirely simple: In a monotonous scene, the human eye can hardly find a reliable direction. This happened when the "Apollo 14" astronauts in February 1971 wanted to walk to the edge of the Cone Hole - and after a while of searching they were ordered to return because of lack of oxygen and time despite standing. only a few meters away from the goal. They just can't see this hole.

Illustration: NASA has a specific plan to establish a long-term base on the Moon, to be completed by 2024. Photo: NASA

If Americans return to the moon in the next few years, they want to and must build a pilot system to avoid similar cases. Right now Ron Li of Ohio State University in Columbus is responsible for solving this problem. He received $ 1.2 million for a three-year research program.

His goal is: For astronauts, the moon navigation system must be similar to the GPS system that has now become a popular product on Earth.

The cost for a navigation system is very large. So far 32 satellites for GPS have been launched into space. The moon positioning system needs to be smaller in scale; no satellites located, and no.

Instead, the starting point for this system is the image of the floating camera from the moon's orbit. They will be combined with images taken directly from the surface of this satellite. Astronauts and vehicles will be equipped with motion sensors to be able to track their changing locations. Signals from the base on the moon, landing ships and signal stations will provide orientation.

Mr. Li has written software for Mars reconnaissance robots "NASA" and "Opportunity" . On the Red Planet, researchers were able to test the technologies that are now used on the Moon.

Navigation on the Moon, according to Li, is not only a technical challenge, but also a medical aspect. People want to help astronauts reduce stress that will definitely appear when they feel lost.

Thanks to a liquid crystal touch table, astronauts can always call maps and data about their location. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston will develop a small machine that can attach to the forearm of new outfits for astronauts.